Find and apply for the Howard University Scholarship and Financial Aid for Freshmen 2024
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Howard University has a rich history of supporting students in financing their education. To facilitate a better understanding of financial aid programs, the following explanations clarify various terms utilized in these programs.
The words “you” and “your” pertain to the student, while “award” or “awards” denotes the financial aid award package. “institution” refers to post-secondary establishments such as colleges and universities. It is crucial to note that, following federal regulations, individuals such as parents, spouses, and others are prohibited from handling financial aid matters on behalf of the student.
This prohibition extends to accepting, canceling, adjusting, managing, or receiving financial aid, participating in Federal Direct Loan entrance and exit loan counseling, and completing the master promissory note (MPN). Non-compliance with this restriction constitutes a criminal offense and may lead to the revocation of financial aid, accompanied by financial penalties.
By accepting financial aid, you acknowledge that you have comprehensively reviewed and understood all the associated terms and conditions outlined in this document. We strongly recommend reading the entire document, and copies of the Award Terms and Conditions of Financial Aid will be sent to you via email each semester for your records.
Specific grants and scholarships are automatically accepted, but it is essential to actively accept Loans (e.g., Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Direct Stafford) and Federal Work-Study awards through your BISON Web account to prevent the cancellation of these awards. Loan certifications will only proceed once the award has been accepted. Some types of aid may require submitting additional documents to our office, so checking for any outstanding requirements on your BISON Web account is advisable.
The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) retains the authority to implement policy changes that might impact your eligibility for future financial aid. Adherence to financial aid policies could necessitate the repayment of previously received aid. It is crucial to stay informed and compliant to ensure a smooth financial aid experience at Howard University.
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Students’ Rights to Obtain Information from Howard University:
Students have the right to access information from Howard University regarding various aspects of financial aid. These include
1. Procedures and Deadlines:
– Procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each available financial aid program.
2. Reapplication Process:
– Procedures for reapplying for financial aid each year and any priority filing dates.
3. Cost of Attendance (COA):
– The cost of attending Howard University (COA) and its refund policy.
4. Selection Criteria:
– Criteria used to select financial aid recipients.
5. Federal Student Financial Need:
– The process of how federal student financial need is determined.
6. Met Financial Need:
The financial need was met due to financial aid awards.
7. Calculation of Financial Need:
– Information about the resources considered in calculating financial need.
8. Available Financial Aid Programs:
– Available financial aid programs (e.g., federal, institutional, donor-funded) and their requirements.
9. Eligibility Determination:
– Knowledge of how various financial aid program eligibilities are determined (subject to be unavailable based on proprietary funding models).
10. Financial Aid Decision Process:
– Knowledge of how decisions on financial aid eligibility are made, the basis for these decisions, and the procedures for reconsidering a financial aid package if a mistake is believed to have been made or if circumstances have changed.
11. Financial Aid Award Package:
– Type and amount of assistance in a student financial aid award package and an explanation of each award (subject to be unavailable based on proprietary funding models).
12. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):
– Procedure of how satisfactory academic progress for Financial Aid (SAP) is determined, information about the status of SAP being met, and the policy and process to follow if it is not being met.
13. Withdrawal Information:
– Information about what happens if there is withdrawal from courses, complete withdrawal, or dropout during a semester or year.
14. Breakdown of Financial Aid Types:
– Information about what portion of their financial aid is loan(s), grant(s)/gift-based, Federal Work-Study, etc.
15. Loan Details:
– Interest rate on loans, the length of time in which the loans must be repaid, the projected start date of repayment, and applicable deferment and cancellation provisions.
16. Sources of Further Advice:
– Offices, both internal and external, that can provide further advice.
17. Services for Persons with Disabilities:
– Special facilities and services available to persons with disabilities.
Students’ Responsibilities:
1. Meet Deadlines:
– Meet all deadlines for applying or reapplying for aid, including federal, institutional, and donor-funded programs.
2. Complete Applications Carefully:
– Pay close attention when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
3. Review Information Thoroughly:
– Carefully review, consider, and understand all information provided regarding Howard’s financial assistance programs, performance expectations, degree/program requirements, and student responsibilities before enrolling.
4. Complete Aid Requirements:
– Fulfill all requirements for financial aid, including accepting awards, completing loan entrance and exit counseling, and submitting necessary documents. It is illegal to allow others to complete these requirements on your behalf.
5. Understand Eligibility Determination:
– Understand that financial aid eligibility is determined in accordance with federal regulations, state statutes, policies and procedures, donor fund agreements, and appropriations of the U.S. Congress.
6. Default and Owing Refunds:
– Acknowledge that being in default of a federal student loan or owing any refund on federal funds disqualifies the receipt/payment of financial aid.
7. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):
– Understand the SAP policy and procedures and ensure that the requirements of SAP are met/maintained to receive financial aid.
8. Refund Policies:
– Understand Howard’s refund policy and the Return to Title IV Refund policy.
9. Timely Response to Offers:
– Respond promptly regarding offers of financial assistance by indicating acceptance or rejection through the financial aid notification letter.
10. Adapt to Changes:
– Understand that financial aid eligibility is subject to adjustment or cancellation if changes occur in regulations, state statutes, policies and procedures, appropriations, etc., during the award period.
11. Accurate Form Submission:
– Complete all required forms accurately and submit them to the correct locations by published deadlines to prevent delays or the prevention of financial aid awarding.
12. Cooperation with Third-Party Companies:
– Understand that Howard may partner with a third-party company for processing various aspects of financial aid (e.g., verification) and cooperate with them promptly.
13. Provide Additional Documentation:
– Provide all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested/required by the Office of Financial Aid or third-party companies.
14. Transfer Student Eligibility:
– Understand that the eligibility of transfer students is subject to adjustment or cancellation based on information received regarding financial aid usage at previous institutions.
15. Avoid Misreporting:
– Understand that intentional misreporting of information on application forms for federal aid is a violation of the law and is considered a criminal offense subject to penalties.
16. Maintain Academic Standing:
– Maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress.
17. Report Outside Scholarships:
– Inform the Office of Financial Aid of all outside scholarships or resources received, as these must be considered as part of the Cost of Attendance (COA).
18. Update Personal Information:
– Notify Howard of any changes in attendance, name, address, marital status, housing situation, or expected graduation date.
19. Loan Repayment Obligations:
– Understand that there are repayment obligations on any educational loan (e.g., federal, private, institutional).
20. Repayment Responsibilities:
– Understand the responsibility to repay any financial aid funds due as a result of withdrawal or overaward situations.
21. Denial of Financial Aid:
– Acknowledge that financial aid may be denied due to ineligibility (e.g., academic performance, credit checks) and take responsibility for any balance owed to Howard.
22. Repayment Arrangements:
– Understand that further financial aid eligibility cannot be allowed until satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made.
23. Hold in Place for Non-Repayment:
– Understand that a financial aid, financial, student records hold will be put in place until satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made.
24. Keep Copies of Signed Forms:
– Read, understand, and keep copies of all signed forms.
Howard University Scholarships – Financial Aid Awarding Policies:
1. Review and Decision:
– Carefully review your financial aid award and decide whether to accept all or part of it.
2. Loan Rejection:
– Indicate your rejection of loans. If accepting a loan, specify the amount you wish to borrow.
3. Enrollment Status Impact:
– Be aware that enrollment status (e.g., full-time, part-time) directly affects eligibility for certain types of aid. Full-time enrollment for undergraduates is a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours and for graduate and professional students, it is nine (9) credit hours.
4. Impact of Course Changes:
– Understand that if, after the term begins, you consider dropping a course or withdrawing from Howard University, your financial aid may be reduced or cancelled.
5. Eligibility Based on Academic Year:
– Understand that eligibility for financial aid is based on the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of an “Academic Year.” Howard University’s typical academic year comprises Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms. Some programs may follow a different academic term; check with your academic department or school for details.
6. Careful Reading of Information:
– Carefully read the remainder of the provided information, as it contains crucial details and policies regarding your financial aid award.
7. No Concurrent Aid at Two Schools:
– Understand that a student may not receive financial aid at two schools simultaneously.
About Your Financial Aid Package:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
1. Source of Financial Aid Package:
– Your financial aid award package is based on the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current aid year.
2. FAFSA Location:
– The FAFSA form can be found on the Federal Student Aid page.
3. Compliance with Policies:
– The awarded amount must adhere to all federal and institutional policies, and all outstanding requirements (e.g., rejects, comment codes, verification) must be completed.
4. FSA ID Requirement:
– To complete the FAFSA, you will need an FSA ID, which can be created and managed on the Federal Student Aid page.
International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA):
1. Need-Based Eligibility Determination:
– The International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) is a form Howard University uses to determine need-based eligibility for institutional aid, including HUFS awards (refer to section D).
2. Purpose of ISFAA:
– The ISFAA is specifically designed to gather information from international students applying for financial aid.
3. Accessing ISFAA Form:
– To obtain additional information and begin your 2021-2022 ISFAA form, click the provided link (Click Here).
D. Financial Aid Award Notification and Types of Financial Aid:
Your Financial Aid Award Notification:
1. Award Basis:
– Your Financial Aid Award Notification is awarded based on full-time attendance.
Types of Financial Aid:
1. Federal Pell Grant:
– Available to undergraduate students without a baccalaureate degree.
– Eligibility is determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA.
– Award divided equally between Fall and Spring Semesters.
– Summer Term eligibility is based on remaining yearly awarded amount and enrollment status.
– Award amounts vary based on enrollment (full-time, ¾ time, ½ time, less than ½ time).
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
– Awarded based on the student’s EFC and fund availability.
– First-come-first-served basis.
– Limited funds, and only Pell Grant-eligible students qualify.
– FAFSA required for eligibility determination.
3. Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan:
– Low-interest loan entering repayment six months after ceasing half-time enrollment.
– “Subsidized” means government pays interest during enrollment and grace period.
– Eligibility requires enrollment in 6 hours or more.
– Need-based loan with borrowing limits: $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, $5,500 for juniors and seniors per academic year.
– Completion of Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Loan Counseling required.
– MPN signed electronically using FSA ID, created and managed on Federal Student Aid page.
– Documents (MPN and Entrance Loan Counseling) required once every ten years.
– Ineligibility for loan award and return of funds if withdrawing from Howard University before disbursement.
Important Information:
– Your Pell Grant and FSEOG eligibility are determined by FAFSA information.
– Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan eligibility is determined by filing the FAFSA.
– MPN and Entrance Loan Counseling completion is required for loan disbursement.
– Ineligibility for loan award and return of funds in case of withdrawal from Howard University before disbursement.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan:
– Provides financial assistance to all eligible students regardless of income.
– FAFSA required for determining eligibility.
– Similar to Subsidized Stafford Loan in terms of repayment terms and loan limits by class standing.
– Student is responsible for paying interest while enrolled.
– Disbursed alongside Subsidized Stafford Loan, with combined total not exceeding annual loan limits.
– Undergraduates must be enrolled in six (6) credit hours or more to be eligible.
– Eligible undergraduates receive an additional $2,000 annually, in addition to Stafford eligibility.
– Typically, graduate and professional students may borrow up to $20,500 annually, with enrollment in at least four (4) credit hours.
Federal College Work-Study:
– Provides part-time job opportunities for students demonstrating financial need.
– Opportunities include on-campus or community service positions.
– Students may work up to 20 hours per week with varying pay rates.
– Funding is limited and based on U.S. Department of Education appropriations.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS):
– Long-term, low-interest loan available to parents of dependent students and graduate/professional students.
– FAFSA completion required for eligibility.
– Annual loan limit equals Howard’s cost of attendance minus student’s financial assistance.
– Repayment begins 60 days after the last disbursement of each year.
– Creditworthiness demonstration required for approval.
– Loan proceeds divided equally between Fall and Spring Terms.
– Separate loan application and Direct PLUS Loan Promissory Note completion necessary.
Private Loans:
– Students and parents can apply for and borrow loan funds from private lending institutions.
– Borrowers encouraged to critically assess loans based on individual needs and favorable terms.
– Howard University cannot provide specific guidance on lenders due to federal regulations.
Outside/External Scholarships:
– Students can apply for scholarships from external sources.
– Donors should send checks to the Howard University Office of Financial Aid with specific instructions.
– Scholarship amount is typically divided equally for Fall and Spring Semesters unless the donor specifies otherwise.
– Howard processes checks and forwards them to the Office of the Bursar for disbursement to the student account.
– The university does not send billing statements to outside scholarship donors.
– If a student with an outside scholarship withdraws, the University will not return funds unless the donor or student requests.
Howard University Freshman Scholarships (HUFS):
The Howard University Freshman Scholarship (HUFS) is open to incoming freshmen featuring seven distinct awards: Presidential, Achievers, Founders, Capstone, Leadership, Opportunity, and the Access Grant. However, each student qualifies for only one award based on their academic performance. The criteria for these awards, which encompass both merit-based and need-based considerations (where applicable), may undergo annual changes for incoming freshmen.
No internal application is necessary. Merit-based award eligibility is determined by the Office of Admissions, assessing high school SAT/ACT scores and GPA. Need-based award eligibility relies on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) range from the FAFSA/ISFAA. Students can accept HUFS offers by acknowledging the Terms and Conditions on their BisonWeb portal and submitting the HUFS Acceptance Agreement to the Office of Financial Aid by the specified deadline.
HUFS awards are valid for four years of enrollment or until the undergraduate student graduates earlier. Specific requirements for full-time earned credits and cumulative GPA are detailed in the eligibility conditions within individual contracts.
Step 1: Renewal Requirements
Renewal eligibility aligns with the terms and conditions specified in the individual Howard University Freshman Scholarship (HUFS) Acceptance Statement received via email. This statement outlines the minimum requirements for semesterly credits (e.g., fall and spring) and the cumulative grade point average necessary after the evaluation period.
– Presidential Criteria: 3.50 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
– Achievers Criteria: 3.50 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
– Founders Criteria: 3.50 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
– Capstone Criteria: 3.30 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
– Leadership Criteria: 3.0 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
– Opportunity Grant: 3.0 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
– Access Grant Criteria: 3.0 cumulative GPA and 15 earned undergraduate credits
Domestic students must submit an annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), while international students must submit an International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) by the designated deadline.
Any additional financial aid from external sources must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. The University reserves the right to adjust the financial aid award letter if recipients receive funds exceeding the cost of attendance or the Howard University Remission of Tuition benefit. If applicable, scholarship recipients engaging in domestic exchange, study abroad, or consortium programs must adhere to eligibility requirements outlined in the individual contract.
Step 2: Evaluation Period
Scholarship renewals are typically assessed after the spring semester after final grades are submitted. Failure to meet the criteria in the Scholarship Acceptance Statement will result in suspending HUFS awards for the upcoming academic year. Students meeting the specified criteria will have their awards automatically renewed.
Step 3: The HUFS Appeal Process
While the University is not federally mandated to implement a HUFS appeals process, the decision to do so lies at Howard University’s discretion. In case of academic challenges during the semester, students are strongly advised to consult their academic advisor promptly for assistance rather than waiting until the semester’s end.
By acknowledging the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions on BisonWeb, you are expressing your agreement to and comprehension of the terms and conditions governing your HUFS award, along with the responsibilities detailed in the Acceptance Statement received via email.
Cost of Attendance
Following regulatory requirements, institutions are mandated to assess the expenses associated with attending. These costs encompass tuition and fees, expenditures on books and supplies, accommodation and dining charges, transportation costs, personal or miscellaneous expenses, and loan fees. Additionally, consideration may extend to dependent care, and for each program enrollment type—undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional—a one-time computer purchase (e.g., laptop, etc.).
For detailed information on the cost of attendance, please refer to the Cost of Attendance webpage.
Financial Aid Terms
The continuity of your financial aid from one academic year to the next is not automatic. All recipients must reapply for aid each academic year, and applications can be submitted online, including completing a FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid page after October 1 each year. Financial aid is granted based on full-time enrollment status, requiring 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 hours for graduate and professional students unless the student communicates otherwise to the Office of Financial Aid (OFA). Financial aid packages for students enrolled less than full-time may undergo adjustments.
Financial aid intended for graduate and professional students does not apply to enrollment in undergraduate courses, and vice versa—financial aid for undergraduate students is not applicable for enrollment in graduate and professional courses. Eligibility for awards is contingent on enrollment status, necessitating enrollment in an eligible program of study in a degree-seeking status to receive financial aid.
Your award may be subject to adjustments if you receive financial assistance from sources other than those indicated on your Financial Aid Award Notification. Other forms of financial assistance include, but are not limited to, private scholarships, tuition assistance, stipends (e.g., residence assistant/advisor), graduate assistantships, and vocational rehabilitation.
Howard University reserves the right to modify the content and amount of any student’s award based on additional financial assistance received throughout the academic year. Your financial aid award is susceptible to changes or adjustments at any point in the academic year due to corrections by Howard University and/or alterations in federal appropriations, etc.
For accuracy, routine audits of Financial Aid files are conducted throughout the academic year, and Howard retains the right to make necessary corrections that might impact the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or eligibility and award. Adjustments may also occur based on reasons such as failure to report accurate information on the FAFSA (e.g., income, taxes paid), changes in enrollment status (e.g., from full-time to part-time), receipt of other aid (e.g., third-party), withdrawal from classes, or failure to meet the requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid (SAP).
Changes to FAFSA and Withdrawal Procedures
If modifications are made to your FAFSA after being awarded, your financial aid package may be adjusted according to federal regulations during the academic year. Howard University retains the right to alter your financial aid package’s content and/or amount based on the conditions mentioned at any juncture in the academic year.
Acceptance of the Terms and Conditions signifies your commitment to adhere to Howard University’s withdrawal procedures, accessible from the Dean or advisory center of each college and the designated advisor for professional schools.
Federal regulations stipulate that your financial aid package may be subject to proration in the event of withdrawal after the term commences, discontinuation of class attendance before term completion, or non-initiation of course participation. Following the federally mandated proration calculation, if a reduction to your financial aid package is necessary, a potential balance may accrue on your student account, for which you are responsible. Institutional aid, including scholarships, may be prorated if tuition charges undergo adjustments.
The contents of your financial aid file are the property of the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) and are treated as confidential information. Requests by the student to review their file must be submitted in writing. Similarly, requests by a dependent student’s parent(s) to review the student’s file must be made in writing, with the student providing written consent for information release.
Upon receiving a request, Howard University has 45 days to make the requested information available for review at the OFA at a mutually convenient time. This review will not occur on the same day the written request is received. Requests by individuals other than the student and/or parent(s) necessitate approval from the student and a “Student Consent Form to Release Information” must be completed and submitted to the OFA. This policy aligns with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, 20 USC § 1232g, and 34 CFR § 99.
Privacy and Communication Policies
In cases involving divorced or separated students, the ex-spouse, whose financial information was not utilized in the FAFSA, cannot access any of your financial aid details. Similarly, when the parents of a dependent student are divorced or separated, the non-custodial parent is not granted access to any financial aid information unless their financial details were employed in determining their eligibility.
For security reasons and to safeguard you and the OFA staff, information concerning your financial aid package will not be disclosed over the telephone.
Students must apply for need-based financial aid each year. Unless explicitly mentioned, financial aid awards are not automatically renewable. Howard University cannot guarantee consistent funding levels each academic year due to variations in funding from sources such as the federal government and state agencies. Consequently, need-based financial aid packages may differ annually in content and total amounts. The Office of Financial Aid at Howard reserves the right to modify packaging policies annually.
Communication from Howard University reaches students (and, where applicable, parents) through various channels, including email, text messages, postal mail, and listservs for professional schools. It is crucial to promptly read and review correspondences from Howard University and respond as necessary. Emails may originate from addresses such as [email protected], [email protected], listservs for professional schools, and our third-party vendor for verification, Inceptia (Inceptia.org).
Student Responsibilities and Financial Aid Disbursement
1. Change of Address:
– Notify Howard immediately if your permanent home address changes.
– Ensure accuracy in both postal mail and email addresses, as the OFA communicates through these channels.
2. Eligibility for Institutional Aid/Scholarships:
– If you leave Howard through transfer, graduation, or any other leave, you forfeit remaining eligibility for institutional aid/scholarships.
3. Summer Term Eligibility:
– Students attending the Summer Term are eligible for financial aid based on remaining eligibility for the academic year.
– Federal funds have annual limits; if previously utilized, additional funding for the Summer Term may not be available.
4. Summer Loan Disbursement:
– Requires enrollment of at least half-time (6 hours for undergraduates, 4 hours for graduates, doctoral, and professional students).
– Disbursement is divided for students enrolled in both summer sessions; failure to attend the second session cancels loans for that term.
5. Prior Year Balances:
– Current year financial aid cannot be used to pay prior year balances.
6. Loan Denial and Disbursement:
– The Financial Aid Office may deny a student loan based on federal guidelines.
– Students with previous loan defaults may face denial based on federal regulations.
– Understanding the difference between “disbursement” and “refund” dates.
7. Disbursement Schedule:
– Aid is disbursed in two payments, one-half in Fall Semester and the other in Spring Semester.
– First-time undergraduate borrowers experience a 30-day delay in the first disbursement.
– Refunds are issued from the Office of the Bursar (Student Accounts).
8. Financial Aid at Two Schools:
– Federal law prohibits receiving financial aid at two schools simultaneously.
– Failure to notify the OFA may jeopardize aid eligibility at Howard.
9. Re-admittance to Howard:
– Re-admittance doesn’t guarantee immediate financial aid availability.
– Students not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements must complete a SAP appeal packet for reinstatement.
10. Payment Arrangements:
– Make payment arrangements for the re-admitted term.
– Complete required SAP appeal packet and Plan for Academic Success.
Additional Information and Conditions Regarding Financial Aid
Loans:
1. Loan Responsibility:
– Acknowledge the responsibility to repay loans.
– Acceptance of loans involves a serious legal and financial obligation.
– Failure to meet this obligation may adversely affect your credit.
2. Loan Adjustment Rights:
– As a student loan borrower, have the right to decline or reduce loans within fourteen (14) days of disbursement.
– The bill from Howard specifies the loan disbursement date.
3. Federal Direct Loan Disbursement:
– All required documents must be on file for Federal Direct Loan disbursement.
– Eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time (six (6) hours for undergraduates, four (4) hours for graduates, doctoral, and professional students).
– Loans disbursed in two (2) payments, one-half in the first semester, and the remainder in the second semester.
– One-semester borrowers receive two disbursements (one half at the beginning and the second after the mid-point).
– First-time undergraduate borrowers experience a 30-day delay in the first disbursement.
4. Financial PLUS Loan Information:
– Howard includes the Federal PLUS Loan in financial aid offers (Parent and Graduate).
– Parent PLUS Loan for parents of undergraduates; Graduate PLUS Loan for graduate students.
– Parents and graduate students can choose a private/alternative loan instead of the PLUS Loan.
Block Enrollment – Terms Less than Standard:
– Standard financial aid year consists of two 15-week terms (Fall and Spring Semester).
– Block courses with nonstandard terms (e.g., five (5) weeks, ten (10) weeks) have different disbursement procedures.
– Federal regulations mandate proration of Title IV funds for students in nonstandard terms based on weeks of instruction and hours of enrollment per block.
– Applies to all students enrolled in block session courses.
Allowable Uses of Financial Aid:
– Federal funds during the award period(s) are solely for Howard attendance expenses.
– Allowable expenses include tuition and fees, required equipment, room and board, books and supplies, transportation (excluding vehicle purchase), disability-related expenses, loan origination fees, and first professional credentials.
– One-time computer purchase request allowed per program type.
Financial Aid Misuse:
– Prohibited use for items or expenses not directly related to educational expenses.
– Prohibited expenses include automobiles, living expenses, or financial support for others.
– Violation is a criminal act and may lead to financial aid revocation and penalties.
Financial Aid Fraud:
– Federal regulations [34 CFR 668.16(g)] mandate reporting to the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) for credible information indicating fraud in federal student aid application.
– Fraudulent conduct may result in fines, imprisonment, or both, along with financial aid cancellation.
Satisfactory Academic Progress:
– Qualitative and quantitative measures (grades and completed credit hours) determine satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for financial aid.
– Non-compliance with SAP requirements leads to financial aid suspension; affected students must arrange payment for tuition and fees.
– Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress page for detailed SAP information and policy.
Withdrawals:
– Students withdrawing from Howard must adhere to the University withdrawal policy.
– The federal government’s Return of Title IV Funds policy applies if withdrawal occurs before the sixty (60) percent point of the semester/term.
– Withdrawal may require repayment of any received refund and other disbursed aid.
– Written notification will specify the amount to be repaid.
– Howard University’s withdrawal policies are available on the University’s Registration Status page.