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The Office of Admissions at Rowan University operates for the purpose of recruiting a diverse and academically talented group of students to attend the University as first-time freshman and transfer students, who will be retained until degree completion. Applicants are admitted to undergraduate study based on academic and personal qualifications. Recruitment and admission procedures are designed to enroll students who will benefit from and contribute to the University as it meets the challenges of the future.
NOTE:
Admission to all Rowan post-baccalaureate and graduate programs (both traditional-format and non-traditional-format) as well as admission to any Rowan non-traditional-format (online, off-site, hybrid, accelerated) undergraduate program are coordinated by Rowan Global Learning & Partnerships.
Rowan’s admission process adheres to general policies established by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and the Rowan University Board of Trustees. Applicants are carefully considered in view of their total secondary school record, performance on the SAT I or ACT examination (if submitted), school and community activities, post-secondary school experiences, and the University’s estimate of the applicants potential as students and members of society. Applicants for Art, Music, Theatre & Dance are also required to complete an on-campus portfolio review or audition and interview.
Deadlines for submitting freshman application and official records:
January - For merit scholarship consideration applicants should submit a completed application by January 31.
March - All freshman and transfer applicants must submit a completed application with supplemental materials by March 1.
Applications
Rowan University accepts The Common Application or an internal Rowan application for freshman applicants and an internal Rowan application for transfer students. Applications are available at admissions.rowan.edu.
Eligibility for Admission
Applicants for admission to Rowan University must present certificates or transcripts proving graduation from an approved secondary school, or they must indicate that graduation is scheduled during the current scholastic year. GED equivalencies are considered in lieu of high school diplomas. Applicants should ensure that this information is forwarded to the Admissions Office.
Applicants must show they have completed or are in the process of completing a minimum of 16 college preparatory courses to be eligible for consideration for admission. The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education has set the following college preparatory guidelines for admission:
4 units - English
2 units - laboratory science*
3 units - college prep mathematics (Algebra I & II, geometry)*
2 units - social studies
5 units - Additional work in at least two of the following areas: English, history, languages (minimum of two units in one language), mathematics, social science and science.
*The College of Engineering seeks applicants with 3 units of laboratory science including chemistry and physics and 4 units of college preparatory mathematics including pre-calculus (calculus preferred).
Entrance Examinations
Applicants may submit either the SAT I or the ACT test scores in support of their application to Rowan University.
Scholastic Assessment Test SAT I tests are given in numerous centers, usually in high schools, throughout the United States. Applications should be sent to College Entrance Examination Board, P.O. Box 592 Princeton, NJ 08540, or online at www.collegeboard.com. Applicants should request that results be sent to Rowan University: C.E.E.B. Code 2515.
American College Testing Program Student registration manuals are available in most high schools. Materials can also be obtained from ACT, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, Iowa 52240, or online at www.act.org.
Test-optional Admission
The test-optional admission policy is designed to provide access to students who are successful in the classroom, regardless of standardized test scores. Students who have excelled academically can take advantage of the Test-Optional Admissions path. Prospective students may choose not to submit their standardized test scores as part of the Admissions application process. There are some exceptions, including prospective 3+4 BS/MD and BS/DO applicants, GED diploma holders, and homeschooled students.
Rowan will use alternate indicators to evaluate college preparedness, including grade point averages, courses taken, evidence of leadership and motivation, and essays provided by the students. Students admitted to the University through test-optional admissions are required to take reading and math placement tests. Test scores will not be accepted for exemption.
Deferred Admission
Rowan University is aware and, in many cases, approves of the feeling of many high school seniors that a year’s experience between high school and college would be beneficial. A year away from formal academic work frequently sharpens the student’s sense of direction and purpose. Any student who is accepted, pays the admission deposit, and then chooses to defer registration in courses at Rowan, must request deferred admission status before August 1. Deferred admission is not an option for those admitted to special admission programs or the EOF program.
Out-Of-State Applicants
Rowan University welcomes applications from out-of-state students.
Advanced Placement
Rowan University awards credit for the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement examinations for scores of 3, 4, or 5. Candidates must arrange to have official score results forwarded to the University Registrar. Upon written request, degree credit equivalent to one semester’s work (3 s.h.) will be awarded in that particular subject or its equivalent. Advanced placement credit is recognized as fulfilling general education requirements where applicable and will be considered as un-graded, transfer credit. The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a series of examinations that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge in a wide range of subjects and receive credit. (See additional information in Course Credit by Examination.)
Campus Visits
We encourage prospective students to visit our campuses. Campus tours are offered daily throughout most of the year. The University also holds numerous open house programs throughout the year. Specific dates are listed in admissions publications and on the Rowan University Admissions website admissions.rowan.edu/visit.
Transfer Admission
Students who have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of transferable credit by the application deadline are classified as transfer applicants. The cumulative GPA for all college work is the primary consideration for Rowan University’s admission decisions. Although most programs require a 2.0 minimum GPA, some majors may also require completion of specific courses prior to admission. For information on additional requirements for The Rohrer College of Business and The Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, please consult the following links:
https://business.rowan.edu/academic-advising/rohrer-college-business-change-major-requirements.html.
https://engineering.rowan.edu/prospective_students/.
Transfer applicants should complete the following steps:
- File an application for admission with all required documents by March 1 for September entrance or November 1 for January entrance. Arrange to have official transcripts of all previous academic work sent from each college attended to Rowan’s Admissions Office.
- Students seeking to transfer into the Art, Music or Theater & Dance programs must contact the appropriate department to arrange for a portfolio review or audition. These evaluations must be completed before the application deadline.
- Payment of a non-refundable enrollment deposit after being offered admission and then enrollment in courses completes the admission process.
Transfer students are encouraged to take advantage of information available through their community college transfer counselor, the Rowan University transfer equivalent information available on our website, and the NJ Transfer initiative www.njtransfer.org. Students who have been dismissed by their previous college are not immediately eligible for admission to Rowan University. Students must wait at least one year and show appropriate interim activities to be eligible for consideration. Because transfer admission decisions usually are made on the basis of incomplete transcripts of credit, they are always subject to review on the basis of later information. Offers of admission may be withdrawn if students do not complete their semester in progress satisfactorily. The registrar’s office and the faculty make specific evaluations of college transcripts for transfer of credit in the student’s major department. Students will receive an evaluation of previous coursework at the time of acceptance. Although applicable credits transfer, grades earned at other colleges do not affect the Rowan GPA.
Mid-Year Admission
Rowan University generally has freshman and transfer openings mid-year. The application deadline for consideration for spring admission is November 1.
Application Fee & Enrollment Deposit
A $65 non-refundable application fee is required of all freshman applicants. There is no application fee for transfer applicants. After notification of admission to Rowan University, freshman applicants must send a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit by May 1. Transfer applicants must send a $100 non-refundable deposit by the deadline given in the admission letter for transfer applicants. This deposit reserves a place for students in the formal enrollment process.
Fee Waiver: The $65 application fee may be waived by the University upon written certification by the applicant’s school counselor or other school official that payment would constitute a financial burden to the applicant. Such requests must accompany the application.
Matriculation: The term matriculation means a student has been formally admitted to Rowan University. A student becomes matriculated by going through the admission process and paying the enrollment deposit. The last step in the matriculation process is enrollment in classes. Entering freshmen and transfer students must register for courses in the semester for which they were accepted to maintain matriculation status.
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program
This program provides access to college for students who are educationally and economically disadvantaged, and who are motivated and have the potential for success.
Students are admitted on the basis of their need for more appropriate educational opportunities, their leadership potential, academic promise and financial need rather than past academic achievement alone. Traditional admission criteria are not used to the same degree to evaluate EOF applicants. Emphasis is placed on personal recommendations, and assessment of potential rather than high school achievement and rank in class. GED equivalencies may be accepted in lieu of the high school diplomas.
EOF students are required to successfully complete a structured summer program prior to entering their first fall semester. In the summer session, students are evaluated in various academic areas and receive concentrated developmental and supplementary instruction and tutoring as necessary. These supportive services are extended throughout the academic year.
Students who successfully complete the Pre-College Institute are invited to return for the fall semester and are fully integrated into the University and enrolled as matriculated students. The program staff provides a comprehensive program of guidance and counseling for EOF students.
Dan Reigel
Senior Director, Administration & Operations
Enterprise Center, Third Floor
856.256.4203
reigel@rowan.edu
Lisa Orr
Associate Director, Transfer Admissions & Recruitment
Enterprise Center, Third Floor
856.256.4208
orrlis@rowan.edu
Dave Naphy
Associate Director, First Year Admissions & Recruitment
Enterprise Center, Third Floor
856.256.4210
naphy@rowan.edu
Office of Winter, Summer, & Special Sessions
The Office of Winter, Summer, & Special Sessions celebrates a year-round college experience for students. Rowan University hosts a combination of its own graduate and undergraduate students, as well as visiting students from local, regional, national, and international universities. Through accelerated Winter and Summer courses, students earn credits to stay on track in a four-year program, graduate early, earn credits towards an additional program of study, and/or complete academic and professional programs for employment growth and opportunities. Winter and Summer sessions are offered online, hybrid, and face-to-face to accommodate a sizable and diverse population of learners.
Additionally, the Office of Winter, Summer, & Special Sessions coordinates special efforts to offer college credit-bearing courses to high achieving high school juniors and seniors at a reduced tuition rate through the Rowan University College Acceleration Program (CAP) and High School Online Dual Credit Initiative. Rowan University courses offered through CAP and the High School Online Dual Credit Initiative fulfill several of Rowan University’s general education requirements and are designed to be transferable to other institutions of higher education.
International Admissions
Rowan University welcomes international applicants. The application deadline for international applicants entering during the fall semester is June 1.
Applicants are considered an international student if they hold, or will need to obtain a non-immigrant visa such as a student visa (F-1) or an exchange visitor visa (J-1). Applicants who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, pending permanent residency, NJ Dream Act/DACA, and undocumented are considered domestic applicants at Rowan University.
Placement/Basic Skills/Testing Requirements
Basic skills courses provide an appropriate curriculum for students with documented weaknesses in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. These courses also reinforce the general academic skills needed for a successful academic career. Transfer students with 30 or more transfer credits are exempt from basic skills courses and basic skills placement exams. Students must take any required basic skills course(s) beginning in their first semester at Rowan and each subsequent semester until the requirements have been fulfilled. Students do not receive graduation credit for passing basic skills courses. These courses do not count toward the minimum number of semester hours needed to complete the student’s major and/or degree requirements. The credits do count toward part- or full-time status for enrollment and financial aid purposes. Students with outstanding basic skills requirements after their first semester at Rowan are subject to registration holds until verification of appropriate progress can be established. For more information, please email testingservices@rowan.edu
Re-Entrance/Re-Admission To The University
Rowan students who have lost their matriculated status due to inactivity, withdrawal, or dismissal before completing their major programs and/or being awarded their bachelor’s degree must apply for reenrollment to the University.
Students seeking re-enrollment should visit the website https://sites.rowan.edu/student-success/returning-to-rowan/. From there, students should complete the re-enrollment inquiry form. Students will be notified via email of their re-enrollment status. Contact Tiffany Fortunato at fortunato@rowan.edu in the Office of Academic Transition & Support Programs with questions.
Web: https://global.rowan.edu/alternate-pathways/summer-winter/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RowanOWSS
Twitter: twitter.com/RowanOWSS
Instagram: instagram.com/rowanowss
Steven C. Farney, Sr.
Senior Director, Administration & Operations
Enterprise Center, 3rd Floor
856.256.5189
farney@rowan.edu
Marie Dionisi
Coordinator
Enterprise Center, 3rd Floor
856.256.5123
dionisi@rowan.edu or winterandsummer@rowan.edu
Financial Aid
The financial aid office administers federal, state, institution, and private aid programs to assist students in affording a Rowan University education. Our office also provides one-on-one counseling on a variety of financial wellness topics. Visit our website for comprehensive information and the answers to many of your financial aid questions.
To apply for financial aid, all students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.studentaid.gov. Be sure to select Rowan University, Glassboro NJ from the school list. Our FAFSA code is 002609. If the student is a Rowan Choice student, their financial aid is administered by Rowan College of South Jersey (006901) and must be listed on the FAFSA.
The FAFSA is available on October 1 and must be filed each year that aid is requested. Be aware that summer is the end of the academic year and so if you are beginning your program during the summer sessions you will need to file both the current year FAFSA and the upcoming year’s FAFSA at the same time. Applying early allows plenty of time to complete processing before the tuition bill is due.
Undocumented citizens who are NJ residents may apply for state aid using the NJ Alternative Application. Information is available on the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority’s website, www.hesaa.org. Rowan University is proud to be a national partner with The Dream Scholarship, available to undocumented students. Please visit thedream.us for details.
Scholarship Programs
Rowan University rewards academic success through our scholarship program. Scholarships are available to students who will attend Rowan University as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student. Limited opportunities exist for international students and those enrolled in certificate programs.
Incoming first-year and transfer students are reviewed for merit scholarship eligibility as part of the Admissions process. Questions regarding these programs should be directed to your admissions counselor. The financial aid office does not administer these programs.
Continuing students may apply for Rowan Foundation and departmental scholarships using the online application process available during the Fall semester. Visit the financial aid website for details and deadlines.
Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) Programs
Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant is the cornerstone of financial aid. It is the first fund provided to eligible students before any other aid is awarded. These grants are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned their bachelor’s degree. The amount a student is awarded is based on the results of a formula established by the federal government. The grant amount is reduced if the student is not enrolled full-time. The maximum amount of the award is determined by Congress. For the 2022-23 academic year, the maximum amount is scheduled to be $6,895/year for full-time study. Additional Pell Grant funds are also available to eligible students who enroll in summer courses at least half-time.
Pell has a lifetime limit of 12 semesters of full-time study. Two semesters of half-time enrollment would equal 1 semester of full-time enrollment.
Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant
This federal grant is available to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and the student was under 33 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the qualifying parent’s or guardian’s death. Eligible students may receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount (less adjustments required by Congress for Sequestration) even if their FAFSA results indicate that they are not financially eligible. The FAFSA performs a database match with the Department of Defense to determine if the student meets the qualifications. Once the student has earned a baccalaureate degree or first professional degree, or have used up all 12 semesters of lifetime eligibility, they are no longer eligible to receive an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.
Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
Under this scholarship, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify for this scholarship, a student must be Pell-eligible and be less than 33 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of the qualifying parent’s or guardian’s death. In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the student is Pell-eligible and continues to be an eligible student.
For purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship, a “public safety officer” is:
- As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
- A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event.
Students who believe they meet the qualifications for this program must self-identify. Unfortunately there is not a federal database to provide schools this information proactively. Please contact our office or visit our website for further details, including how to document the student’s eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are available to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and who also receive Pell Grant funds. The federal government provides a limited amount of funding to be awarded to eligible students. Completing the FAFSA and any additional requirements ensures the best chance for funding as students are automatically considered during the financial aid packaging process.
TEACH Grants
These federal grants are offered to students pursuing a career in teaching in high need subject areas (i.e. math, reading specialist, sciences, etc), and who meet the minimum GPA. These grants require recipients to complete a period of qualifying employment after graduation. The length required is determined by the number of years the student received the grant funding. If the recipient does not complete the required service or changes their major and no longer pursues the required subject area, the grant will convert to an unsubsidized student loan and must be repaid.
Federal Work Study Program
With funds supplied by the Federal government, Rowan University provides jobs both on and off campus during the academic year for students who qualify. Students should indicate an interest for this program on the FAFSA. Many work-study positions provide skills and experience, which will assist students in their career development. Students can arrange their hours around their school and study schedule. Hours worked cannot exceed 20 per week while classes are in session or 30 per week during breaks. Students may find job postings through the Office for Career Advancement using the Prof Jobs online platform: https://sites.rowan.edu/oca/profsjobs1.html. This office can also assist students without FWS eligibility.
Federal Direct Student Loan
The Federal Direct Student Loan Program allows eligible students to borrow funds for their education expenses. These loans are based solely on the student’s signature and promise to repay - there is no credit check, collateral, or cosigner necessary. The interest rate is fixed and no payments are required while in school at least half-time. Generous and flexible repayment terms exist along with options for cancelation or forgiveness for certain qualifying employment.
Annual loan limits for dependent students are up to $5,500 for the first-year student, $6,500 for sophomore year, and up to $7,500 for junior and senior years. Independent students, and those dependent students whose parent is unable to borrow a parent PLUS loan may receive an additional unsubsidized loan amount of $4,000 or $5,000 depending on their year in school.
There are two types of loans:
- Subsidized: If the student demonstrates need based on the FAFSA, the interest is waived while the student is in-school at least half-time, and during the 6-month post-enrollment grace period, and any other authorized periods of deferment. The annual loan limit for a subsidized loan is up to $3,500 for first-year students, $4,500 for sophomore, and $5,500 for junior and senior years. The maximum amount a student may accrue is $23,000 in subsidized loans.
- Unsubsidized: The interest accrues on this loan and is the responsibility of the borrower from the date of disbursement. There is no interest-subsidy (hence the name, unsubsidized). Payments are not required while the student is enrolled. Unpaid accrued interest will be added to the principal balance when the loan converts to repayment status. Since this loan is not need-based, any eligible student may borrow this loan regardless of family income. For students who do not qualify for the subsidized loan, their annual loan limit will be unsubsidized. Students who do qualify the subsidized loan, may borrow up to an additional $2,000 in unsubsidized funds each year.
Depending on the student’s financial aid package and need, most students are offered a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loan amounts, up to the annual limits. Read more about the loan process on our website, including the steps necessary to complete the Master Promissory Note (your loan documents) and the online, interactive federal loan entrance counseling module.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Parents of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time and making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree or eligible certificate may borrow up to the cost of education from the federal government. The borrower must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States. The parent who borrows does not need to be the parent on the FAFSA (such as in the case of separated/divorced parents). Loan eligibility is based on the absence of adverse credit. There is no minimum income requirement and payments are not required while the student is enrolled at least half-time; although interest will accrue. This program provides generous repayment terms. Parents may read more about this loan program and may apply at https://www.studentaid.gov.
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF NEW JERSEY
The State of New Jersey offers some of the most generous grant programs in the country. The NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA, https://www.HESAA.org) determines the student’s eligibility for various grants and scholarships using both the FAFSA information and additional applications or documents. There are strict application deadlines with no appeals for missing them. A short description of each program is below. For full details and to complete any additional application steps, please visit their website.
HESAA receives the FAFSA processing results directly from the federal processing center if the student indicates NJ as the legal state of residence on the FAFSA. HESAA begins processing using that data and may request additional information or documents. The student will receive emails from HESAA regarding these requirements. Students may also create an account on the HESAA website to view their To-Do list and notifications of eligibility.
Undocumented citizens who are NJ residents may apply for state aid using the NJ Alternative Application. Information is available on the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority’s website, www.hesaa.org.
Tuition Aid Grants (TAG)
The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program provides funding to full-time undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor degree. Students (and parents of dependent students) must be residents of NJ for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the semester beginning where the grant will be disbursed. Eligibility is determined by HESAA, as described above. Deadlines to apply and complete the application process are available on the HESAA website.
Educational Opportunity Fund
Established by the New Jersey State Legislature in early 1968, the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) helps disadvantaged students by providing financial, academic, social and advising supports. In addition to financial criteria, eligible students must demonstrate a strong motivation for future academic work. Students must live in New Jersey for twelve months before receiving this aid. To be considered for this program, students must submit the EOF Freshman application for admissions. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility. Rowan University’s Educational Opportunity Fund Offices on the Glassboro and Camden campuses can provide more information.
Rowan Opportunity Program and Garden State Guarantee
The State of NJ recently implemented the Garden State Guarantee Program to assist juniors and seniors in completing their degrees. Rowan University expands this new program to first- and second-year students through the Rowan Opportunity Program. Both programs are designed to reduce tuition and fees after all other grants and scholarships so that the student pays a net cost of zero or a reduced amount. For students whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income is between $0 and $65,000 annually, the net cost for tuition and fees will be $0. Where the eligible student’s family adjusted gross income is between $65,001 to $80,000, students will be able to receive assistance such that their net cost for tuition and fees is no more than $7,500 total for the fall and spring semesters. Visit our financial aid website for full details, including eligibility criteria. There is no additional application required.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
In order to receive financial aid, students must meet the minimum Federal standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid purposes are different from the academic requirements of the University. In some instances, students experiencing academic difficulty may find that, while they are permitted to remain in school, they may not receive financial aid until they achieve the minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. SAP standards apply to all terms you attended regardless of whether or not you received financial aid.
You must maintain SAP to remain eligible for financial aid
To ensure financial aid recipients are making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), academic transcripts are reviewed at the end of each term to determine eligibility for the next term. All terms of attendance are reviewed, including periods in which the student did not receive financial aid. Each semester, your Rowan University academic record will be reviewed for the following three measures and you will be assigned a SAP Status.
- GPA (Quantitative Progress): Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (a C average). Graduate students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Grades of A, B, C, D, and F affect your GPA (including +/- variations). Grades of W, WF, WP, I, U, P, or NP, and/or transfer credits do not affect your GPA. All grades are included in the calculation, including the original grade(s) from repeated coursework.
- PACE (Completion Rate): Students must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all course work (registered credit hours) attempted at Rowan University. Any course with a grade of withdrawal (W), Failure (F), incomplete (I), Not Reported (NR), or audit (AU) is not considered completed course work. A course is counted as completed only once, regardless of how many times attempted or the grade earned. Transfer credits are counted as both attempted and completed, thus increasing a student’s completion rate.
- MAX (Maximum Time Frame): Students must complete their program within 150% of the credit hours required to complete your degree program, including all transfer credits. Students who have reached their maximum allowable credit hours will be suspended from receiving financial aid. Developmental or remedial hours are excluded from this calculation. The MTF calculation counts all attempted hours including repeated courses, ineligible courses and transfer hours accepted by Rowan University. This also includes hours taken under a previous major and hours for which a student did not receive financial aid.
Visit our website to read more about this policy and options available if you do not maintain SAP, including how to submit an appeal.
Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy
Federal financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of the semester with the expectation that the student will successfully complete the courses for which the aid was provided. When a student withdraws from all courses for any reason, including medical withdrawals, he/she may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that he/she was originally scheduled to receive.
These federal regulations are separate from the University’s refund policy. In some cases, students who withdraw may owe a balance to the University.
Treatment of financial aid (Title IV) Aid When a Student Withdraws The law specifies how Rowan must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that you earn if you withdraw from school. The Title IV programs that are covered by this law are Federal Pell Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, TEACH Grants, Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Federal Perkins Loans.
Though your aid is posted to your account at the start of each period, you earn the funds as you complete the period. If you withdraw during the semester, the amount of Title IV program assistance that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If the amount disbursed on your student account is less than the amount that you earned, you may be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned to the U.S. Department of Education by Rowan and/or you.
The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if you completed 30% of the enrollment term, you earn 30% of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period.
If you did not receive all of the funds that you earned, you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If your post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, we must get your permission before we can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional debt. Rowan may automatically use all or a portion of your post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs your permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other institutional charges. If you did not give your permission, you will be offered the funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce your account balance owed, if any.
There are some Title IV funds that you were scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to you once you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if you are a first-time, first-year undergraduate student and you have not completed the first 30 days of your program before you withdraw, you will not receive any Direct Loan funds that you would have received had you remained enrolled past the 30th day.
If you receive (or your school or parent receive on your behalf) excess Title IV program funds that must be returned, your school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:
- your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of your funds, or
- the entire amount of excess funds.
The school must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of your Title IV program funds. If your school is not required to return all of the excess funds, you must return the remaining amount.
For any loan funds that you must return, you (or your parent for a Direct PLUS Loan) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, you make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time.
Any amount of unearned grant funds that you must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment that you must repay is half of the grant funds you received or were scheduled to receive. You do not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. You must make arrangements with your school or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.
The requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from any refund policy that your school may have. Therefore, you may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. Your school may also charge you for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to return. Please review Rowan University’s Refund Policy. You may also want to review the requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from school.
If you have questions about your Title IV program funds, stop by our office, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. Information is also available on Student Aid on the Web at https://www.studentaid.gov.
Heidi Kovalick
Director
Savitz Hall, First Floor
rowan.edu/financialaid
Strategic Planning & Management
The Office of Strategic Planning & Management is committed to providing innovative solutions and achieving exceptional customer experience through streamlined business systems, efficient processes, and proven digital strategies. The office also monitors the successful development and implementation of enterprise-level CRM platforms, programs, partnerships, and division-wide projects by aligning cross-departmental resources.
Rihab Saadeddine, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President, Rowan Online
Enterprise Center, Fifth Floor
856.256.5412
saadeddine@rowan.edu
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