Admission Guidelines
The total undergraduate and graduate enrollment of Lehigh University is regulated by action of the board of trustees, with a resulting limitation in the number of candidates who can be admitted each year to the various divisions of the university.
Because of the limitations on enrollment, the Office of Admissions, under the leadership of the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, conducts a selective review of candidates for admission. Several criteria are used in an attempt to predict a student’s ability to successfully complete four years of rigorous study at Lehigh University.
The material that follows pertains to undergraduates. Graduate students should consult Admission to Graduate Standing, Section IV.
The admission policy of the university is designed to enroll students with a variety of backgrounds. The course work or units required for admission represent the equivalent of the usual four-year college preparatory curriculum with certain specific courses required for enrollment in certain programs within the university. Evidence of academic growth, ability to learn, and motivation are examples of qualities that may not be reflected in the accumulation of units. Such qualities are also considered by the admissions committee.
Minimum subject matter requirements (16 units)
English | 4 units | |
foreign languages* | 2 units | |
social science | 2 units | |
laboratory science | 2 units | |
college preparatory mathematics | 3 units | |
elective subjects | 3 units |
*Only in exceptional cases, and for otherwise well-qualified candidates, will the Committee on Admissions waive the foreign language requirement for admission to any one of the three undergraduate colleges.
Students planning on enrolling in the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science must have studied mathematics through trigonometry, and should have studied chemistry, physics and mathematics through pre-calculus. Calculus is strongly recommended. Students planning to enroll in the College of Business and Economics must have completed mathematics through trigonometry, but also should strongly consider taking pre-calculus and calculus. Candidates for the College of Arts and Sciences preparing for a bachelor’s of science degree must also take math through trigonometry.
Minimum course work requirements can be misleading since most students who gain admission to Lehigh University exceed the minimum course work. Strength of preparation may be difficult to assess since each individual comes from a different background. However, the Committee on Admissions will be aware of things such as (in no particular order):
Rank or relative rank in class
The student’s grades within the context of the school environment
Evidence of improvement or deterioration in grades during the secondary school career with particular attention paid to performance in senior year courses
The quality of performance in courses that relate to the student’s anticipated area of study
The difficulty of courses taken with special attention given to courses recognized as accelerated by national academic organizations
Comments and recommendations from the principal, headmaster, guidance counselor, teachers, or other professional educators within the school system
Performance on standardized testing
Extra-curricular/work experience with particular emphasis placed on demonstrated leadership
Demonstrated interest in Lehigh University
Entrance Examinations
SAT/ACT: Each candidate for admission to the first year class is required to take either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) with the writing component or the American College Test (ACT) with the writing component. Students are required to submit their scores directly to Lehigh through the College Board (CEEB code 2365). It is not the responsibility of the high school guidance office to forward the results. If, during the evaluation process, it is discovered that the test results are missing, the student will be notified by e-mail. Delays in the decision-making process can result if the committee does not have the scores.
The Committee on Admissions recommends that students take the exam in the junior year and again as early as possible in the senior year. In the evaluation process, the highest score in each category for the SAT will be used regardless of the test date.
SAT Subject Tests: SAT Subject Tests are recommended, but not required. It is also recommended that students who plan to study a foreign language take the SAT Subject Test or Advanced Placement Test for the language they intend to study. Students interested in advanced placement and/or receiving college credit in chemistry, English, or a foreign language should take the SAT Subject Tests. Please read the Advanced Placement section for specific requirements.
Test information and applications may be secured from high school guidance offices or the College Board: College Board SAT Program, 45 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10023-6917. Additional information can be found online at www.collegeboard.com.
Candidates should register for the tests no later than one month prior to the test date (two months for candidates who will be tested in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America and Australia).
All applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum target score of 90 on the TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) is recommended for admission. A minimum target score of 570 on the Paper-Based Test is recommended for admission. The TOEFL Computer-Based Test (CBT) has been discontinued and is no longer valid for admissions. For further details on TOEFL requirements, including iBT subscore requirements, please contact either the Admissions Office or the ESL Department. IELTS results will be accepted in place of the TOEFL with a recommended minimum score of 7.0. Note: Although students who have scored 570 or higher on the Critical Reading section of the SAT are not required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores, it is highly recommended.
Recommendations
The Office of Admissions requires, as part of a candidate’s file, a letter of recommendation from the guidance counselor, principal, or headmaster from the candidate’s school. One teacher recommendation is also required. In addition to academic qualifications, recommendations should address the candidate’s personal qualifications such as character, intellectual motivation, participation in school activities, and established habits of industry and dependability.
Campus Visits
Prospective first-year students and their parents are highly encouraged to visit Lehigh and to meet with an Admissions representative for a group information session and to participate in a campus tour. Informal interviews are also available but are not required for admission. No appointment is necessary for a group information session or campus tour, but interviews must be scheduled by appointment. Visit www.lehigh.edu/visitinglehigh for a schedule of information sessions and tours. A call to the Office of Admissions is recommended because the schedule can change several times during the year as the academic calendar changes. While visiting our campus, it is often possible to meet with faculty, coaches or other professional staff of the university. Requests for such meetings should be made prior to the actual visit so as to facilitate scheduling.
The Office of Admissions is open for interviews most weekdays beginning at 8:15 a.m. Tours are available two times a day during the school year. Some Saturday morning tours are available during the summer and fall.
In rare cases, an interview may be required if, in the opinion of the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, the additional information gained through an interview would be helpful in making the correct decision regarding admission. In such cases, the candidate will be notified of our request.
How to Apply
Students may use the Common Application available from school guidance counselors, or they may apply by using the Common Application on-line at www.commonapp.org or via the Lehigh Web site at www.lehigh.edu/apply. Online submission of the application is preferred. Students are required to submit a supplemental form to the Common Application that can be obtained through the Common Application Web site or the Lehigh Web site. For information on how to apply for need-based financial aid, visit www.lehigh.edu/assistance.
Applications should be filed according to the following deadlines:
November 15 — Early Decision I
November 15 — Seven-year BA/MD Program
January 1 — Early Decision II
January 1 — Regular Decision
January 1 — Seven-year dental program with the University of Pennsylvania
January 1 — Seven-year optometry program with the SUNY State College of Optometry
Each application must be accompanied by an application fee of $70. This fee is non-refundable and does not apply towards tuition fees. Waivers of application fees are accepted when requested on the appropriate forms from the school guidance office. Students for whom the application fee is a hardship should consult the guidance office at their schools.
Early Decision
Our program is a binding early decision plan, meaning that the student is expected to withdraw all applications to other schools if accepted to Lehigh. The student, his or her parents/guardians, and guidance counselor must sign an Early Decision Agreement form to confirm their understanding of this provision. Students applying Early should be sure that Lehigh is their first choice school. Early Decision I is for students who meet the November 15 deadline. Notification will be completed around December 15. Early Decision II is for students who have met the January 1 regular application deadline and who declare their intention to apply Early Decision II by January 15. These students will be notified mid-February. It is understood that all early decision candidates will continue to perform at a satisfactory academic level throughout the remainder of his or her senior year.
The early decision plan is not for everyone. It is for the student who has begun early and been active in their college search, and is sure that he or she wants to attend Lehigh. When reviewing an early decision application, the committee will defer a decision on any candidate when there is insufficient information to make an early decision commitment. It is also possible that a student may be denied admission. The Committee on Admissions will give early decision applicants some slight advantage in borderline cases because of the commitment of applying early, but the student must still present a strong record.
Early decision candidates who have filed the CSS/Financial Aid Profile application, available at www.collegeboard.com, and prior year tax forms, will be notified of their financial aid packages as soon as possible after the decisions on admission are made by the Office of Admissions. In addition to the CSS/Financial Aid Profile, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also required. This form may be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Lehigh’s code for FAFSA is 003289. The deadline to file FAFSA is February 1.
Admission and Deposit
Admissions decisions are mailed to each student and are also posted online via the Campus Portal. An admitted student may secure a place in the entering class by notifying the university that he or she intends to enroll at Lehigh and by forwarding the appropriate enrollment deposit postmarked by May 1. This fee is applicable towards the fall-term bill. Students who do not attend will forfeit their deposit.
Transfer Students
Each January and August, a limited number of students who have attended another college or university are admitted with advanced standing. Candidates for transfer admission must meet the high school subject matter requirements prescribed for incoming first-year students, but entrance examinations are optional if a student has completed at least one year of full-time study at another institution. Exceptions to fulfilling high school requirements will be granted following the review of a college level transcript. The academic performance at the college level is the primary focus when giving consideration to admission.
Candidates who have been dropped for poor scholarship, who are not in good standing, or who have been released for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for admission.
Each candidate must submit an official transcript and course descriptions from each institution attended. An admissions decision cannot be made without this information. Students wishing to enter in the spring should apply no later than October 1 and applicants for the fall semester should have their application submitted by March 1. Applications may be obtained by visiting Lehigh’s Web site at www.lehigh.edu/tapply. Each application must be accompanied by an application fee of $70.
Students are encouraged to take an active role in seeing that the various components of the student’s admission application have arrived at the university. Decisions are made as soon as possible after the application is complete. Students will be notified by the Office of the Registrar as to the total credits Lehigh will grant to the student in advanced standing.
Housing: Transfer students are guaranteed housing for at least their first semester provided an enrollment deposit is received by the date established within the text of the offer of admission letter. Every effort is made to accommodate transfer student housing needs. All students are required to live on-campus through the end of the sophomore year. Contact the Office of Residential Services, Rathbone Hall, Lehigh University, 63 University Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015 or call (610) 758-3500. This office also can provide information about off campus housing. Fraternities and sororities often have room for members or boarders. Information on this option may be obtained through the Assistant Dean for Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, 227-229 Warren Square, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015 or call (610) 758-4157.
Advanced Placement
The university offers capable students who have superior preparation an opportunity for advanced placement and/or college credit. Many secondary schools, in association with the College Board, offer college-level work. Students participating in these courses should write the Advanced Placement Tests offered by the College Board.
Entering first-year students that request the College Board to send their advanced placement scores to Lehigh are considered for advanced placement.
Some departments noted below offer examinations during Freshman Orientation to students who studied college-level subjects in secondary school but did not write the advanced placement tests. Entering first-year students wishing to write an examination in any Lehigh course should notify the Office of the First-Year Experience via email at fye@lehigh.edu by the date given on the first-year student portal. The student should specify the number and title of the course. Students who receive credit on the basis of advanced placement grades need not write Lehigh tests to confirm the credit granted.
Current practice at Lehigh is as follows:
Art, Architecture and Design. Eight credit hours for Art 1 and Art 2 are granted to students who earn a grade of 5. Three credit hours for Art Elective in Art History are granted for those students who earn a grade of 4. Those students who earn grades of 5 on the Advanced Placement Studio Art Examination receive four credit hours for Des 3.
Biology. Four credit hours for EES 31 and 22, Introduction to Environmental/Organismal Biology and Exploring Earth Lab, given to those who earn grades of 4 or 5.
Chemistry. Eight credit hours for CHM 030 and CHM 031 are granted to students who earn a grade of 5. Those students who earn a grade of 4, or who score 750 or higher on the SAT II chemistry subject test, are granted 4 credit hours for CHM 030 and may apply to the department for a special examination that, if completed successfully, will result in an additional four credit hours for CHM 031.
Computer Science. Students who receive a grade of 4 or 5 on the AP exam will receive 2 credits for CSE 001 and 2 credits for CSE 002.
Economics. Students will receive two credit hours of Economics Elective for a score of 4 or 5 on the microeconomics or macro economics exam. Students receiving a score of 4 or 5 on both the microeconomics and macroeconomics exams will receive 4 credits for ECO 001 and 2 credits of Economics Elective and satisfy the College of Business and Economics degree requirements.
English. Students who earn a score of 5 on one of the College Board Advanced Placement Tests in English (either in English Language and Composition or in English Literature and Composition) or who achieve a score of 750 or higher on the writing section of the SAT receive six hours of Lehigh credit for freshman English (and exemption from the requirement). Students who receive a score of 4 on either of the Advanced Placements Tests in English or who have a score of 700-749 on the writing section of the SAT or a score of 5 on the IB High Level Examination will receive three hours of credit in freshman English; these students must complete the six-hour requirement by taking an English course ENGL 11. No credit is awarded for ACT scores.
Environmental Science. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the environmental science exam will receive 3 credits for EES 002 and 1 credit for EES 22.
Government and Politics. Four credits for POLS 1 are awarded to those students that score a 4 or 5 on the American Government test, and four credits for POLS 3 are awarded to those that score a 4 or 5 on the Comparative Politics exam
History. Students earning a grade of 4 or 5 in the American History Advanced Placement examinations will receive 4 credits for History electives. Students earning a grade of 4 or 5 in the European History exam will receive four credits for History Elective.
Latin. Students receive three semester hours of credit for a grade of 4 or 5 in the Virgil examination; those who successfully write in more than one area (e.g. Virgil and lyric poetry) receive six hours of credit. Credit will be awarded for Latin 099 Latin Elective. Students receiving credit for Latin and who wish to continue their study of Latin must consult with the Director for proper placement.
Mathematics. Four semester hours of credit for Math 21, Calculus I, are granted to those who earn grades of 4 or higher on the Calculus AB examination. To those who earn a grade of 4 or higher on the Calculus BC examination, eight hours of credit are granted for Math 21 and Math 22, Calculus I and II. Credit for Math 21 and 22 or both may also be earned by passing the examination offered by the Mathematics Department during Freshman Orientation. Students regardless of whether they have taken the advanced placement examination may take this examination or not.
Modern Languages and Literature. Students receive four semester hours of credit at the intermediate level I for grades of 4, and eight hours of credit at the intermediate level I & II for grades of 5 on the advanced placement tests. Those who write the SAT II subject tests and score 600 to 699 receive four hours of credit; 700 and above receive eight hours of credit. The maximum number of credits given is eight. Those students receiving grades of 4 or higher on the French or Spanish literature examinations will receive 4 credits for French 152 or Spanish 151.
Music. Three semester hours of credit for Music elective are given to those students who earn a grade of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement test in Music, Listening/Literature of Music: Theory.
Physics. Five hours of credit are given for Physics 11, Physics 12, for a grade of 5 on the Physics B examination or a grade of 4 on the mechanics section of the Physics C examination. If a student receives credit for Physics 11, four hours of credit will be given for Physics 21, Physics 22, for a grade of 4 on the electricity and magnetism section of the Physics C examination. A test is offered during Freshman Orientation.
Psychology. Four credit hours of PSYC 1 are granted to students who earn a grade 4 or 5.
Statistics. Students scoring a 4 or 5 will receive 4 credits; for MATH 12 if enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences or the College of Engineering & Applied Science, or 3 credits for ECO 045 if enrolled in the College of Business & Economics.
International Baccalaureate. Students who earn the international baccalaureate may be granted credit in higher-level or advanced subjects with scores of 5 or better or “B” or better. All students will have their credentials evaluated on an individual basis for specific course equivalency. Lehigh must receive the Official IB transcript before credit will be assigned.
Estimate of Expense for Undergraduates
Principally three areas of income support the operating expense of Lehigh University: tuition and fees, endowment earnings, and gifts and grants. The university is conscious that educational costs are significant and it strives to maintain a program of high quality instruction while recognizing that there are limitations on what families can afford to pay. Costs will vary somewhat from student to student depending upon the various options chosen.
Tuition, Room, and Board
There are three major plans that cover the major expense associated with university attendance. These are as follows:
The Tuition Plan.
The university provides comprehensive academic and student services under its tuition plan. The tuition sum is inclusive of most athletic events, basic treatments in the Health Center, libraries, and laboratory services. A technology fee of $300 is charged to all full-time students. An additional $460 fee is charged to all students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Applied Science or with a declared major in natural science. The full-time tuition rate is charged to students enrolled in twelve or more credit hours per semester. For students enrolled in less than twelve credit hours, tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis.
University Housing Plan.
A variety of living arrangements are available. The university provides housing for approximately 2,500 students on campus in a wide selection of residence facilities and approximately 900 students in fraternity and sorority housing. The housing arrangements are grouped within four basic categories, with rates associated with the category level. First and second year students are required to reside in university housing. Second year students may choose residence hall or Greek housing options. Third, fourth and fifth year undergraduate students contracting for residence hall housing are required to submit a $400 housing deposit. This deposit is credited toward the room charge for the respective semester. The deposit is either full or partially refundable based upon a published schedule.
University Meal Plan.
Nine meal plans are available. First year residents are required to participate in the Category 1A Meal Plan or one of the Category I Meal Plans. Upper-class students living in a residence hall are required to participate in the Category 1A Meal Plan or one of the Category I or II Meal Plans. Students residing in a fraternity or sorority are expected to participate in their house meal plan but also have the option to choose any of the university plans offered. Students residing in campus apartments or any off-campus facilities have the option to choose any of the plans offered.
Each board plan includes Dining Dollars. This pre-paid declining balance account was designed for maximum flexibility and convenience and can be used at most dining locations on campus to further increase your purchasing options.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition, Room, and Board charges are listed for the academic year (fall and spring semesters) with one-half charged for each semester. Other Fees are typically charged per occurrence.
Tuition, 2012-2013 | $41,920 |
Technology Fee | $300 |
University Housing | $6,450 |
Category II (ROTC, UMOJA, All Greek Houses, Warren Square, Hillside) | $6,900 |
Category III (Taylor, Trembley Park Suite Singles, Brodhead House) | $7,180 |
Category IV (Sayre Park Village, Campus Square, Trembley Park Apartments) | $7,510 |
NOTE: The above University Housing rates are based on multiple occupancy.
Board
The number of meals specified is per week.
Category IA (Carte Balance) | $ 5,260 |
Category I (19 meals including $100 Dining Dollars) | $ 4,780 |
14 meals including $200 Dining Dollars | 4,780 |
225 Block Plan any 225 meals per semester including $100 Dining Dollars | 4,780 |
Category II (10 meals including $200 Dining Dollars) | 4,210 |
150 Block Plan any $150 meals per semester including $300 Dining Dollars | 4,210 |
Category III (75 meals per semester including $500 Dining Dollars) | 2,560 |
Category IV (50 meals per semester including $500 Dining Dollars ) | 2,010 |
Category V (The Dining Dollars $600 Dining Dollars) | 600 |
Based upon the above charges, most first-year students are normally billed the tuition rate and technology fee along with the Category I or II room fee and a Category I meals board plan. The total cost for the four areas would be $53,450 to $53,900 for the 2012-13 academic year.
Other Fees
(applied to prevailing circumstances)
Tuition charge per credit for part-time status or audit | $1,750 |
Engineering and Science Fee per year (for specified students) | 460 |
Application fee (for undergraduate admission consideration) | 70 |
Late preregistration (assigned to all fulltime students who do not select their full class load during the designated period each term) | 100 |
Late registration | 100 |
Late application for degree | 40 |
Examination makeup (after first scheduled makeup) | 25 |
Late payment (after announced date) | 200 |
Returned check fine | 35 |
Key/lock change (lost or non-return), room door, residence halls/sorority | 25 |
Identification card (replacement) | 15 |
The university reserves the right at any time to amend or add charges and fees, as appropriate, to meet current requirements. Fees applicable to the 2012-13 academic year will be announced no later than March 2012.
Other Expenses
A student should plan to meet various other expenses. These expenses include the purchase of books and supplies from the Lehigh University Bookstore located in Campus Square. Necessary purchases supporting one’s academic program should average approximately $1,200 per year. The Bookstore carries basic goods for students’ needs. A student should also plan an allowance to handle personal and travel expenses.
Billing and Payments
An itemized statement of charges is mailed from the Bursar’s Office approximately six weeks prior to the start of each semester. Bills are addressed to the student and mailed to the home address as recorded in the BANNER Student System. Payments are due as follows: Fall semester by the first business day of August, Spring semester by the first business day of January, and all Summer Sessions 5 days prior to the start of classes. If registration occurs after bills are issued, payment is still due prior to the start of classes. Students can access their account on-line 24/7 through the BANNER Student System. Accounts not settled by the due date are subject to a late-payment fee.
Persons desiring a payment plan can elect participation in the university’s educational payment plan which provides for the payment of tuition, room, and board over four months per semester. Deadlines to participate are July 1st for Fall Semester and December 1st for Spring Semester.
The university also offers a plan under which enrolled undergraduate students can pre-pay more than one year of tuition. Complete information is available from the Bursar’s Office.
Students attending the university under a provision with a state board of assistance or with financial aid from other outside agencies must provide complete information to the Bursar’s Office if assistance is to be recognized to avoid late payment fees.
Refunds of Charges
Tuition and Academic Fees
An undergraduate student in good standing who formally withdraws or reduces his or her course enrollment below twelve credit hours before 60% of the semester has been completed during the fall and spring semesters will be eligible for a tuition refund. An undergraduate student in good standing who formally withdraws or reduces his or her course enrollment before 60% of a session has been completed during the summer sessions will be eligible for a tuition refund.
A graduate student in good standing who formally withdraws or reduces his or her course enrollment before 60% of the semester has been completed during any semester will be eligible for a tuition refund.
The tuition refund for a student who withdraws or drops a course(s) is calculated on a daily basis. No refunds for tuition can be made for courses or workshops with five class sessions or less after the first day of class. Additional penalties may apply to withdraw from special programs or courses held at off-campus locations, such as Study Abroad or Geology Field Camp.
The date used to calculate refunds is based on when a properly authorized withdrawal or drop/add is received by the Registrar’s Office.
Academic fees (such as Technology Fee, Engineering and Science Fee, course associated fees, etc.) are generally non-refundable after the first day of classes.
In the event of a medical withdrawal or death of a student, certified by the Dean of Students, tuition will be refunded in proportion to the semester remaining.
Tuition Credit/Refund for a Disciplinary Suspension or Expulsion
A student who is suspended from the University during the semester in which the incident occurred is eligible for a tuition credit that will be applied to the semester immediately following the period of suspension. The amount of tuition credited will be based upon the tuition refund schedule for a voluntary withdrawal and the tuition rate in effect during the semester in which the incident occurred less any required financial aid adjustments and any outstanding balance on the student’s account. The date used to calculate the tuition credit will be the date of the incident that resulted in the suspension. Tuition credit not utilized in the semester immediately following the period of suspension is forfeited.
A student who is expelled from the University forfeits all payments for tuition and fees incurred for the semester the incident occurred.
If the decision to suspend or expel a student is made in a semester subsequent to the semester in which the incident occurred, the student is eligible to receive a 100% tuition refund less any required financial aid adjustments and less any other outstanding balance on the students’ account for any courses that the student is unable to complete as a result of the suspension/expulsion. Refunds will not be distributed until all disciplinary procedures including the appeals process are complete.
The University may, in its sole discretion, place a hold on the student’s academic records at the time of the incident, which will limit access to transcripts and other educational records until the disciplinary process is complete.
Please note that financial aid is not guaranteed for students who exceed 8 semesters of enrollment because of a disciplinary suspension.
Refund Specifics
Credit balances resulting from an overpayment with a bank card are eligible to be refunded as a credit transaction to the bank card by contacting the Bursar’s Office.
Credit balances resulting from an overpayment with a check drawn on a domestic bank require a minimum two week waiting period before a refund check will be issued.
Credit balances resulting from loans, grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid are eligible for refund after the 10th day of class.
All refund checks will be payable to the student unless (a) the student has authorized in writing a parent or guardian listed in the Banner Student System to receive the refund, or (b) the check payment on the account was clear that the payment was from an unrelated organization or institution, such as a sponsoring corporation.
Refund checks are mailed to the student’s university post office address or, if none, to the student’s “home address” listed in the Banner Student System. Any exception to this policy must be authorized in writing by the student.
Students receiving financial aid that drop below full time status must have their financial aid package re-evaluated by the Office of Financial Aid prior to the issuance of any refund check.
Residence Hall/Housing Refunds
Residence hall rooms are rented on an annual basis only. A student who signs a housing contract is expected to reside in and be financially responsible for residence hall housing for both the fall and spring semesters of the specific academic year for which the contract was signed. A student who forfeits a housing reservation and who returns to the university at any time during the contracted academic year is still obligated for housing charges if vacancy in the residence hall facilities exists and without regard to location. An advance housing deposit is required by rising third, fourth and fifth year undergraduate students to hold housing. This deposit is either full or partially refundable based upon specific criteria and a published refund schedule.
Prior to registration, housing rental refunds are made in full in the event a student does not register because of illness or injury; is dropped from the university due to academic reasons; attends a university-approved study abroad or co-op program; graduates; or voluntarily withdraws from the university. After registration, prorated housing rental refunds are granted based on separation from the university due to illness or injury. In the event of voluntary withdrawal, a prorated refund is possible only with the provision that the lease can be transferred to another student for whom no other university accommodations exist. Prorated refunds are based upon the date the room has been vacated and the room key is returned to the Office of Residential Services. Any student suspended or expelled from the university will not be granted any housing rental refund.
University Meal Plan Refunds
Meal plan refunds are made in full in the event a student does not register and has not purchased any meals from the plan.
After registration, a student who purchases meals on the plan but withdraws from the university will receive a pro-rata meal plan refund based on the number of unused weeks remaining on the plan.
Any student suspended or expelled from the university will not be granted a meal plan refund.
Meal plans may be changed within the requirements of the living area up to the tenth day of class each semester at the Bursar’s Office with charges assessed per an established proration schedule.
After the tenth day of class, a student who wishes to change a meal plan must petition and receive approval from the Office of Student Auxiliary Services. If the change is approved, an adjustment will be processed on a pro-rata basis to the meal portion of the plan charge as of the week following the last meal purchased.
Adjustments to Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid is responsible for determining the appropriate redistribution of charges and refunds when students receive any financial assistance. These decisions are made on the basis of federal, state and institutional policies. Any refunds due to the Title IV programs will be refunded in the following order:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Perkins Loan
Direct PLUS Loan
Federal Pell Grant
Federal SEOG
Any other Title IV program

