Financial Aid

Financial Planning

Financial aid is money which helps students pay for their educational costs. Aid may be in the form of grants, scholarships, employment opportunities, loans, or a combination of all of these. A wide variety of financial aid packages is available to students who wish to attend Arkansas Baptist College. These funds are made available from federal, state, and local sources. However, it is important to know that the primary responsibility for financing a student’s education rests with the student and family. The Office of Student Financial Aid is primarily responsible for the processing of federal Title IV aid and coordinating federal aid with other funds, such as scholarships and grants. Title IV aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal College Work Study, the Federal Family Education Loan Program (subsidized and unsubsidized) and the PLUS (parent) loans. The Office of Financial Aid at Arkansas Baptist College will assist students in determining the best way to finance their education. 

Various departments and agencies on and off campus are responsible for determining the recipients of their scholarships and/or grants. The Financial Aid Office is a good resource for questions concerning these or other types of aid. To be eligible for any form of financial aid, a student must be fully admitted to Arkansas Baptist College, enrolled in the appropriate number of credit hours, and making satisfactory progress toward a degree according to the Satisfactory Progress Policy, a copy of which can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid. To apply for financial assistance, a new or transfer student must complete the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Returning students may complete the Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Both applications are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Applications for financial aid should be filed as early as possible for the next academic year. The 2024-2025 FAFSA will be made available December 2023. 

Assistance is renewed based on the past year’s academic record and need, and eligibility. Even those who do not qualify for need-based aid may qualify for academic and/or other scholarships. Arkansas Baptist College’s academic scholarships are based on completing the admission’s process, completing the financial aid process, grade point average and varies in amounts by academic tier. Scholarships with an amount that exceeds half of the cost of tuition and fees require a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to be renewed, based on the available funds. Scholarships with an amount less than half of the cost of tuition and fees require a student to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined in the College Catalog. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years (8 semesters). These scholarships may not create credit balance refunds. 

Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

Arkansas Baptist College’s academic scholarships are earned at the recommendation of the Office and Admissions and Recruitment on the basis of application for admission and vary in amounts by academic tier. Scholarships with an amount which exceeds half of the cost for tuition and fees require a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to be automatically renewed for a student. Scholarships with an amount less than half of the cost of tuition and fees require a student to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined in the College Catalog. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years (8 semesters). Students with questions about their scholarship requirements should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Transfer Academic Scholarships

A merit scholarship is available for transfer students who are accepted for admission. These scholarships are renewable for the duration of study for degree completion (no more than 8 semesters). These scholarships may not create credit balance refunds. 

Athletic Performance

Scholarships are available to a limited number of students (both men and women) with outstanding ability in competitive sports. The student should contact the coach for the sport in which he or she participates.

Band and Choir Performance Scholarships

Scholarships are available to a limited number of students (both men and women) who complete the admissions and financial aid process with outstanding ability in competitive sports.  

Students will be awarded all federal funds they are eligible to receive, and the athletic scholarship will fill in the gap to cover institutional charges. The student should contact the coach for the sport in which he or she participates for additional information. 

Other Awards

Various grants and awards are awarded to incoming students each year on the basis of need, academic ability, athletic ability, and leadership potential. Students with questions about their scholarship requirements should contact the Office of Financial Aid. Specialized scholarship programs may have different requirements; recipients will be notified of those criteria.

Grants

Federal Grants

Federal grants are awarded based on the expected family contribution, determined by the FAFSA. Grants include the Pell Grant, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

State Grants

The Financial Aid Division of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education administers most of the financial aid programs for higher education in Arkansas. Financial aid available through the division includes, but may not be limited to, the following programs:

• Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Arkansas Health Education Grant
• Governor’s Scholars Program
• Higher Education Opportunities Grant
• Second Effort Scholarship
• Workforce Improvement Grant

Eligible and interested applicants should check with the campus Office of Financial Aid or the Financial Aid Division of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships-and-programs, for more information.

Work Opportunities

Many Arkansas Baptist College students earn a portion of their college expenses through part-time jobs on campus or in the surrounding community. Regular announcements of on- and off-campus opportunities are available via the Office of Financial Aid. All students working in campus jobs must sign a work agreement and are required to complete federal and state tax forms in the Office of Financial Aid prior to starting their jobs. A wide variety of work-study jobs on campus are available to Arkansas Baptist College students. Community opportunities are also available. Students must demonstrate eligibility by filing the FAFSA. 

Veterans Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides basic programs for veterans and service members seeking assistance for education or training. Veterans and service members who entered the military from January 1, 1977, through June 30, 1985, may receive educational assistance under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) contributory plan. Individuals entering on active duty after June 30, 1985, may receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill^®  contributory plan. Another educational entitlement program, referred to as the Montgomery GI Bill^®  Selected Reserve (chapter 1606 and 1607 REAP), is available for members of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard. Note: The Post 9/11 GI Bill^®  is a new education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Please visit the GI Bill^®  website or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 for additional information.

The noncontributory GI Bill^® ended on December 31, 1989. No benefits are payable for any training pursued on or after January 1, 1990, under this bill.

Monthly educational assistance benefits are based on the number of hours of enrollment. Full-time enrollment for an undergraduate student during fall and spring terms is 12 hours or more; three-quarter enrollment is 9 to 11 hours; half-time enrollment is 6 to 8 hours. For fewer than six hours only tuition and fees are reimbursed, except in the case of the MGIB for Selected Reserve/National Guard (Chapter 1606), these benefits are based on one-fourth of the full-time amount. Full-time enrollment for graduate students during fall and spring terms is 9 hours or more; three-quarters enrollment is 6 to 8 hours; half-time enrollment is 3 to 5 hours. Summer benefits for both graduate and undergraduate students are based on the number of hours enrolled and the number of weeks in the term.

There are Survivors/Dependents benefits for eligible persons. For further information contact the VA Regional Office at (800) 827-1000.

Other services available under the Veteran’s Affairs educational benefits include tutorial assistance, educational loans, and work-study. Students classified as non-degree seeking or provisional may be eligible to receive Veteran’s Education benefits for one semester.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(c), this educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-911 G.I. Bill^®  (Ch.33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch.31) benefits, while payment to the instiution is pending from VA. The educational instiution will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certification of Eligiblity (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in othe institutional policies.

All eligible persons wishing to apply for Veteran’s Affairs educational benefits should contact the Office of Veteran’s Affairs at (501) 682-VETS (8387).

Loans

Federal Direct Loans

Every student who files the FAFSA is eligible for a Federal Direct loan. All students are eligible for either unsubsidized, subsidized, or a combination of both up to their maximum allowable per classification level: freshmen ($5,500), sophomores ($6,500), juniors ($7,500), and seniors ($7,500). Repayment begins six (6) months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time status. For more information or explanation on the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Parent Loans

Special loans to parents through the Federal PLUS program are also available. Parents can borrow up to the full cost of education minus other aid. For more information, contact the Official of Financial Aid.

How to Apply

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); log onto the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you need to apply for an FSA ID which serves as an electronic signature, go to www.fsaid.ed.gov. The school code for Arkansas Baptist College is 001087.
2. The results of the FAFSA will be mailed and/or emailed from the Department of Education or access will be available using an FSA ID. Arkansas Baptist College will receive the electronic version of your FAFSA results in three to five business days from the date you submit the FAFSA.
3. Review your Student Aid Report for accuracy. If corrections are needed, make them immediately and electronically resubmit.
4. If additional documents are required to complete the Financial Aid Process, you will be notified by the Financial Aid Office by letter and/or by the email address you indicated on the FAFSA.
5. Return all completed and signed documents to the Financial Aid Office.
6. Once all documents are received and processed, an Award Notification will be mailed to you. The Award Notification is your official notification of financial aid offered to you.
7. First time and new transfer borrowers of student loans must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note before receiving loan funds. The Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note can be completed online at www.studentloans.gov. Access to the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note is available using an FSA ID. Funds cannot be disbursed until both are completed online. First time and new transfer student borrowers must be in class thirty (30) days before loan funds can be disbursed.
8. Federal financial aid and Arkansas Baptist College Assistance funds are awarded to students who are officially admitted to the College.

Note: If you are expecting to pay your fees using financial aid, but you have not applied for financial aid or completed the financial aid process, your eligibility cannot be determined and funds will not be available at registration. You must therefore make payment arrangements with the Business Office to pay your fees.

Student Eligibility

When the following requirements are met, a student is eligible for assistance through the Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal College Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loans:

1. Is a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
2. Is registered for the draft with Selective Service, provided the student is a man at least 18 years old and born after December 31, 1959, and is not a current member of the active armed forces
3. Has met all requirements for unconditional admission to the college
4. Demonstrates financial need; The U.S. Department of Education and Arkansas Baptist College will use the information provided to determine need
5. Is attending a school that participates in one or more of the programs
6. Is enrolled at least part-time
7. Is working toward a degree or certificate
8. Is maintaining satisfactory academic progress (as defined by Arkansas Baptist College Academic Standards policy)

Changes in Status

Recipients of assistance from any of the above mentioned sources must agree to inform the Financial Aid Office when:

1. Withdrawing from school
2. Changing enrollment status
3. Changing mailing address
4. Receiving any additional financial aid from any source
5. Change in the financial resources of the recipient or recipient’s family occurs
6. A change in name occurs

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid

Overview

For purposes of determining student eligibility for financial assistance under Title IV, HEA programs, the College establishes, publishes, and applies Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards that meet all federal and institutional requirements. To be eligible to receive federal financial aid, a student is required to maintain satisfactory academic progress in one’s course of study according to the college’s published standards. SAP standards are based on cumulative measures of a student’s progress toward degree completion. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for ensuring that all students who receive financial aid meet these standards.

To be eligible to receive institutional funds, a student is also required to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion. For additional information regarding institutional funds eligibility, a student should contact the Financial Aid Office.

It is important to note that SAP standards (federal and institutional requirements) are consolidated and constitute new academic standing requirements.

Sections included in this policy are:

• Overview
• Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
• Definitions
• Appeals
• Regaining Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

There are three components to the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy:

Component I: Qualitative Standard

Each student must meet the cumulative grade point average to remain eligible for federal aid:

NOTE: STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE AN OVERALL 2.00 GPA AT THE END OF THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR.

Component II: Quantitative Standard

The College measures a student’s progression toward degree completion using a fixed grade point standard on a 4.00 grade point average scale. Each student must successfully pass a minimum of 67% of their credit hours attempted during the preceding fall and spring semesters at the College. Drops, withdrawals, incompletes, repeated, and non-credit remedial coursework will be counted toward the hours attempted. Students cannot receive federal student aid for repeating a passed course (received credit) more than ONE time, regardless if credit is provided again. Transfer credits are also used in determining compliance with the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Transfer credits are counted as attempted and earned credits for Satisfactory Academic Progress purposes.

Component III: Maximum Time Frame

Students are expected to complete degree requirements within reasonable time-frame based on the average length of their program. Students must complete graduation requirements in no more than 150% of the average length of their program. For example, students seeking an Associate’s degree requiring 70 credit hours to graduate from a program may not attempt more than 105 credit hours and still receive aid. Students seeking a Bachelor’s degree requiring 124 credit hours to graduate from a program may not attempt more than 186 credit hours and still receive aid. In the event the student elects to change one’s major, all attempted hours, including transfer credits, withdrawals, and repeated courses, will be counted in the evaluation of the 150% timeframe.

Increments. College policy divides the maximum timeframe into equal periods of enrollment known as semesters or terms.

Pace. The College has established a schedule designating the minimum percentage of work, known as Pace, that a student must successfully complete at the end of each semester to complete one’s degree within the maximum timeframe. Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits that the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of credits that the student has attempted.

To be eligible to receive federal, state, and institutional financial assistance, a student is required to successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all attempted credits.

Evaluation Periods 

Arkansas Baptist College will evaluate SAP standards at the end of each academic year (spring semester).  

Satisfactory Academic Progress Process/Academic Standing

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is reviewed at the end of each semester (e.g., Fall, Spring, Summer). Students will be notified in writing of the results of an evaluation that impacts academic standards and the student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional assistance.

Satisfactory Academic Progress reviews will result in a student being placed on one of the following statuses:

GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING. A student who has met the College’s academic standards listed above is making satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion. This student is in good academic standing with the College and is eligible to receive assistance under federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs during the next semester of enrollment.

WARNING. The first-time a student has not met all Satisfactory Academic Progress qualitative and quantitative standards listed above, one will be placed on academic warning. This means that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion and must repair the deficiencies during the next term of enrollment. A student on Academic Warning may continue to receive assistance under federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs during the next semester, providing the student remains in good academic standing with the College and meets all other program requirements. The Academic Warning status will be assigned automatically without an appeal or other action required by the student.

A student CANNOT be placed on two consecutive terms of academic warning. A student must return to good academic standing by the end of the warning period to remain eligible to receive financial aid. A student who has returned to good academic standing but at a later date does not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards can be placed on a second term of academic warning.

PROBATION. A student on academic warning who has not met all Satisfactory Academic Progress qualitative and quantitative standards by the end of the next semester of enrollment is no longer eligible to receive assistance under federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs unless the student has an approved Academic Appeal on file with the Academic Appeals Committee. All Academic Appeals must be submitted to an academic advisor in the Department of Retention according to the process outlined in the Appeals section of this policy. If an appeal is approved, the student will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation is eligible to receive assistance under federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs during the next semester of enrollment.

SUSPENSION. A student on Academic Warning who has not met all Satisfactory Academic Progress qualitative and quantitative standards by the end of the next semester of enrollment and who does not have an approved appeal on file with the Office of Academic Affairs is no longer eligible to receive assistance under federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The student will be placed on academic suspension and will be required to make up all Satisfactory Academic Progress deficiencies to regain eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

Definitions

Academic Clemency. Academic Clemency provides an opportunity for persons to apply for a new undergraduate academic beginning at Arkansas Baptist College by disregarding their prior academic record. For federal student aid purposes, ALL attempted hours will be included in determining a student’s financial aid eligibility, including those disregarded on the basis of Academic Clemency.

Pace. A student’s Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits successfully completed by the cumulative number of credits attempted. College policy defines the following terms for the calculation of Pace and review of credits counted toward the maximum time frame of 105 credit hours for students pursuing an Associate’s degree and 186 credit hours for students seeking a bachelors degree:

Credits Successfully Completed. Credits successfully completed include all courses for which a student receives a passing grade of “D” or better, or pass. In addition, all transfer credits are counted as credits successfully completed.

Credits Attempted. Credits attempted include all courses for which a student receives a passing grade of “D” or better, pass, incomplete, “W”, “NC”, “F”, or “XF”. In addition, all transfer credits are counted as credits attempted. All credits attempted must be counted toward the maximum timeframe.

Incompletes. All courses for which a student receives a provisional designation of “incomplete” must be counted toward the maximum timeframe and included in the calculation of a student’s Pace.

Remedial Courses (noncredit). Remedial courses are counted toward the maximum timeframe and are included in the calculation of a student’s Pace.

Repeated Courses. All repeated courses must be counted toward the maximum timeframe and included in the calculation of a student’s Pace. Repeated courses for which a student receives credit are counted both in the cumulative number of successfully completed and attempted credits. Repeated courses for which a student does not receive additional credit are not counted in the cumulative number of successfully completed but are counted in the cumulative number of attempted credits. Students cannot receive federal student aid for repeating a passed course (received credit) more than ONE time, regardless if credit is provided again.

Transfer Credits. All pre-matriculation (including AP credits) and post-matriculation transfer credits must be counted toward the maximum timeframe and included in the calculation of a student’s Pace. Transfer credits are counted in both cumulative number of successfully completed and attempted credits.

Second Majors. A student who elects to declare a second major must complete all degree requirements within the maximum timeframe. Credits applicable to second majors are included in the calculation of a student’s Pace.

Appeals

As stated above, a student on academic warning who has not met the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards by the end of the next semester of enrollment is no longer eligible to receive financial aid and will be placed on academic suspension. If mitigating circumstances prevented the student from meeting the requirements, a student may appeal to have one’s eligibility reinstated for one term of probation. Such circumstances would include:

1. The death of a relative
2. An injury of the student
3. An illness of the student
4. Other special circumstances

A student who wishes to appeal one’s suspension must adhere to the following procedures:

1. Complete and sign an Academic Appeal Form
2. Attach supporting documentation to the Academic Appeal form
3. Submit the Academic Appeal Form with documentation to the Office of Retention, according to the deadline schedule listed on the form.

SUBMITTING AN ACADEMIC APPEAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE APPROVAL OR REINSTATEMENT OF ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY.

Decisions are made after a careful evaluation of the student’s unique circumstances, federal Title IV requirements, and College policy. In some cases, it may be necessary for the Director of Financial Aid to consult with the Academic Appeals Committee before appeal decisions can be made. Notification will be sent in writing to the student as to the outcome of the appeal review. Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal reviews will result in one of the following outcomes:

Not Approved. A student whose Academic Appeal is not approved by the Academic Appeals Committee will remain on academic suspension and will not be eligible to receive financial aid until all Satisfactory Academic Progress deficiencies have been repaired (See Regaining Eligibility).

Approved with Probation. A student whose academic appeal is approved with probation will be placed on probation and is eligible to receive financial aid during the next semester of enrollment.

A student on probation may be required to fulfill specific terms and conditions, such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. A student on probation must repair all academic deficiencies during the next term of enrollment in order to remain eligible for financial aid and remain in academic good standing.

Approved with an Academic Plan. In some cases, it may be mathematically impossible for a student to repair one’s academic progress deficiencies with one term of enrollment. In such cases, a student’s academic progress appeal may be approved with an academic plan to restore academic progress deficiencies over more than one term. The student should work closely with the Office of Retention to develop an academic plan with the student that if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet the College’s academic standards by a specific point in time. The academic plan may require the student to fulfill specific terms and conditions, such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. This plan must be submitted in writing to the Office of Retention and the Academic Affairs Appeals Committee.

A student on an approved academic plan is eligible to receive financial aid during the next semester of enrollment and each subsequent term of enrollment, provided the student meets the academic standards outlined in the student’s specific academic plan. The student must remain in good academic standing with the College and meet all other program requirements.

Regaining Eligibility

A student who has been placed on academic suspension may reestablish one’s eligibility to receive federal, state, and institutional financial assistance by one of the three paths described below:

1. The student successfully appeals the suspension and is approved for a term of probation or approved with an academic plan.
2. The student meets the minimum academic quantitative and qualitative standards by completing a course(s) at the College without receiving financial assistance. To enroll in a course(s) at the College, all students must meet the academic standing requirements of the College as overseen by the Office of Retention and the Office of Academic Affairs, respectively.
3. The student meets the minimum academic quantitative and qualitative standards by completing a course(s) at another institution without receiving financial assistance. A student who wishes to take a course(s) at another institution must receive prior approval according to College policy. The following explains the impact of transfer credits on academic standards:
   1. Impact of transfer credits on academic quantitative standards. All transfer credits must be counted toward the maximum timeframe and included in the calculation of a student’s Pace. Transfer credits are counted in both the cumulative number of successfully completed and attempted credits.

Impact of transfer credits on academic qualitative standard (GPA). According to College policy, post-matriculation transfer grades will be indicated on the transcript, but will not be included in calculations of grade point average, rank-in-class, or other academic standings. Therefore, a student will not be able to repair the academic qualitative standard by completing a course(s) at another institution. A student who needs to restore one’s GPA to the minimum academic standard will need to enroll in a course(s) at Arkansas Baptist College without receiving financial assistance or successfully appeal one’s academic suspension. However, transfer grades may be considered when reviewing and approving academic appeals.

Return of Title IV Policy

Purpose

According to federal regulations CFR 668.22, CFR 668.43(a)(2 through 4), and DCL GEN-11-14, Arkansas Baptist College is required to create and publish a Return to Title IV Policy. When a student applies for financial aid, the student agrees that financial aid funds will be used for educational purposes only. Therefore, if a student withdraws before completing their program, a portion of the funds received may have to be returned. Arkansas Baptist College will calculate the amount of financial aid to be returned to the Title IV programs according to the policies listed below.

Purpose Statement

This policy applies to students who officially withdraw, unofficially withdraw, fail to return from a leave of absence, or are dismissed from enrollment at Arkansas Baptist College. It is separate and distinct from the Arkansas Baptist College refund policy.

The calculated amount of the Return of Title IV (R2T4) funds that is required for the students affected by this policy are determined according to the following definitions and procedures as prescribed by federal regulations.

The amount of Title IV (federal) aid earned is based on the amount of time a student spent in academic attendance and the total aid received; it has no relationship to student’s incurred institutional charges. Because these requirements deal only with Title IV funds, the order of return of unearned funds do not include funds from sources other than the Title IV programs.

Title IV funds are awarded to the student under the assumption that one will attend school for the entire period for which the aid is awarded. When a student withdraws, one may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that were originally scheduled to be received. Therefore, the amount of Federal funds earned must be determined. If the amount of funds disbursed is greater than the amount earned, unearned funds must be returned.

The institution has 45 calendar days from the date that the institution determines that the student withdrew to return all unearned funds for which it is responsible. Arkansas Baptist College is required to notify the student if they owe a repayment via written notice.

Eligibility for post-withdrawal disbursements will be confirmed within 30 calendar days of the date that the student withdrew. ABC must advise the student or parent that they have 14 calendar days from the date that the school sent the post withdrawal disbursement notification to accept a post withdrawal disbursement. If a response is not received from the student or parent within the allowed time frame or the student declines the funds, the school will return any earned funds that Arkansas Baptist College is holding to the Title IV programs.

Official Withdrawal from Arkansas Baptist College

A student is considered to be officially withdrawn on:

1. The date the student provided official notification of intent to withdraw, in writing or orally; or,
2. The date the student began the withdrawal process from Arkansas Baptist College records. A student is allowed to rescind one’s notification in writing to the Office of Admissions and Records and continue the program. If the student subsequently drops, the student’s withdrawal date is the original date of notification of intent to withdraw.

Official dates and deadlines for withdrawing are specified in the Arkansas Baptist College Academic Calendar.

A student may withdraw from Arkansas Baptist College at any time from the first-class day to the official last day to withdraw as indicated in the Arkansas Baptist College Academic Calendar. The official last day to withdraw is approximately two weeks before the first day of final examinations for Fall or Spring terms or the equivalent dates for Summer sessions.

Students with financial aid who are withdrawing from Arkansas Baptist College are advised to complete the online financial aid withdrawal form through the Office of Admissions and Records. For withdrawals processed prior to the end of the sixth week of classes for Fall or Spring terms or the equivalent dates for Summer sessions, the grade of W is recorded for each course in which a withdrawn student was enrolled. After the sixth week of classes for Fall or Spring terms or the equivalent dates for Summer sessions, a withdrawn student receives grades of “W” only for those courses in which there were passing grades at the time of withdrawal; otherwise, the grade “WF” is recorded.

Students called to active military service during a term in which they are enrolled may be entitled to a refund of tuition and fees if they withdraw or the student may be entitled to receive a final grade or incomplete grade in courses. Students should contact the Office of Admissions and Records to determine their options.

A student is considered a withdrawal from classes offered in a session of enrollment when the student ceases attendance at any point prior to completing the period of enrollment unless the school obtains confirmation from the student at the time of withdrawal that the student will attend a session that begins later in the same period of enrollment. This confirmation must be obtained at the time of the withdrawal even if the student has registered for subsequent courses.

If a student receives Title IV grant or loan assistance and does not begin attendance in a period of enrollment, the student is considered to be ineligible for any Title IV aid.

Upon receipt of the official withdrawal information, Arkansas Baptist College will complete the following:

1. The Office of Financial Aid verifies the student’s attendance through the financial aid withdrawal form or the school’s attendance records (Audit Rolls);
2. The Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation is performed to determine the amount of federal funds the student has earned and the amount of unearned Federal funds for which Arkansas Baptist College and the student is responsible to return (if any).
   1. Calculations are completed using the U.S. Department of Education’s Return of Title IV Worksheets, student’s attendance and withdrawal date, and are based upon the period of enrollment.
3. The Office of Financial Aid will return the amount of any unearned portion of the Title IV funds for which the school is responsible within 45 calendar days of the date the official notice of withdrawal was provided.
4. The Office of Financial Aid will provide the student with a letter explaining any returns that have been made to the Title IV federal programs on the student’s behalf as a result of exiting the program.
   1. Remaining unearned Title IV loan funds (e.g. Direct and Perkins Loans) must be repaid by the student in accordance with the terms of the loans.
5. If a student’s scheduled attendance is more than 60% of the period of enrollment, one is considered to have earned 100% of the Federal funds received for the period of enrollment. In this case, no funds need to be returned and no letter will be sent from the Office of Financial Aid.
6. A copy of the completed worksheet and notification letter will be kept in the student’s file.

In the event a student decides to rescind his or her official notification to withdraw, the student must provide a signed and dated written statement that he/she is continuing his or her program of study and intends to complete the period of enrollment. Title IV assistance will continue as originally planned. If the student subsequently fails to attend or ceases attendance without completing the period of enrollment, the student’s withdrawal date is the original date of notification of intent to withdraw.

Officially withdrawing from classes may affect the student’s future eligibility for financial aid due to satisfactory academic progress requirements and R2T4 balances owed.

Unofficial Withdrawal from Arkansas Baptist College

Unofficial withdrawals encompass all other withdrawals where official notification is not provided to Arkansas Baptist College. If a student does not officially withdraw and subsequently fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course offered over an entire period, the institution must assume, for Title IV purposes, the student has unofficially withdrawn, unless the institution can document that the student completed the enrollment period.

If a student receives Title IV grant or loan assistance and does not begin attendance in a period of enrollment, the student is considered to be ineligible for any Title IV aid.

If a financial aid recipient who has not officially withdrawn fails to receive a passing grade in at least one class during the term, The Office of Financial Aid will determine whether the student actually established eligibility for the aid originally awarded. Instructors will be contacted and asked to provide information on the student’s attendance. If the student did not begin attendance, or stopped attending during the payment period, the financial aid originally awarded will be canceled or adjusted.

Once grades are final for a term, the following procedures will take place:

1. The Office of Financial Aid will determine which students did not officially withdraw and failed to earn a passing grade in at least one course offered over an entire period.
2. Determine and record the student’s last date of attendance as the withdrawal date.
   1. Instructors will be contacted and asked to provide information on the students’ attendance. If the student did not begin attendance, or stopped attending during the payment period, the financial aid originally awarded will be canceled or adjusted.
3. The Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation is performed to determine the amount of federal funds the student has earned and the amount of unearned federal funds for which the school and the student is responsible to return (if any).
   1. Calculations are completed using the U.S. Department of Education’s Return of Title IV Funds Worksheets, the student’s attendance and withdrawal date, and are based upon the period of enrollment.
4. The Office of Financial Aid will return the amount of any unearned portion of the Title IV funds for which the school and the student is responsible within 45 calendar days of the date the official notice of withdrawal was provided.
   1. Remaining unearned Title IV loan funds (e.g. Direct and Perkins Loans) must be repaid by the student in accordance with the terms of the loans.
5. The Office of Financial Aid will provide the student with a letter explaining any returns that have been made to the Title IV federal programs on the student’s behalf as a result of exiting the program. If a student’s scheduled attendance is more than 60% of the period of enrollment, he/she is considered to have earned 100% of the Federal funds received for the period of enrollment. In this case, no funds need to be returned and no letter will be sent from Financial Aid.
6. A copy of the completed worksheet and notification letter will be kept in the student’s file.

Unofficially withdrawing from classes may affect the student’s future eligibility for financial aid due to satisfactory academic progress requirements and R2T4 balances owed.

Withdrawal Before 60% Point of the Term

The institution must perform a R2T4 calculation to determine the amount of earned aid up through the 60% point in each period of enrollment. The institution will use the U.S. Department of Education’s proration schedule to determine the amount of R2T4 funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal.

Withdrawal After 60% Point of the Term

For a student who withdraws after the 60% point of the period of enrollment, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds he or she was scheduled to receive during the period. Thus, there are no unearned funds. Arkansas Baptist College must still perform a R2T4 to determine the amount of aid that the student has earned and whether or not the student is eligible for a post withdrawal disbursement.

Example of R2T4 Calculation

1. The Office of Financial Aid determines the percentage of Title IV aid the student earned by taking the calendar days completed in the period of enrollment and dividing by the total calendar days in the period of enrollment (excluding breaks of 5 days or more and days the student was on an approved leave of absence).
   
   Example: 18 completed days/118 total days = 15.3% [Title Aid Earned]
    
2. The Office of Financial Aid determines the dollar amount of Title IV aid the student earned by multiplying the percentage of Title IV earned by the total of the Title IV aid disbursed plus the Title IV aid that could have been disbursed for the period of enrollment.
   
   Example:15.3% x ($1800 disbursed + $1005 that could have disbursed) = $429.17 Aid Earned
    
3. If this percentage is greater than 60%, the student earns 100% of the disbursed Title IV, HEA funds or aid that could have been disbursed.
4. If this percentage is less than 60%, then the percentage earned is equal to the calculated dollar amount earned.
5. Aid to be returned is equal to the unearned percentage (100% minus the Percent earned) multiplied by the amount of aid disbursed toward institutional charges. If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student may be required to return a portion of the funds. All Title IV fund returns must be completed no later than 45 calendar days after the date the Office of Financial Aid determines that the student withdrew.
6. Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of aid earned and the order of return dictated by the U.S. Department of Education.
7. When Title IV funds are returned, the student may owe a balance to the institution.

Order of Return

Arkansas Baptist College is authorized to return any excess funds after applying them to current outstanding Cost of Attendance (COA) charges. A copy of the Institutional R2T4 worksheet performed on the student’s behalf is available through the Office of Financial Aid upon written request.

In accordance with Federal regulations, when Title IV, HEA financial aid is involved, the calculated amount of the R2T4 funds is retracted in the following order:

1. William D. Ford Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan Program
2. William D. Ford Subsidized Federal Direct Loan Program
3. William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent Loan Program (PLUS)
4. Federal Pell Grants
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG)
6. Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant

Earned Aid

Title IV aid is earned in a prorated manner on a per diem basis (calendar days) up to the 60% point in the semester. Title IV aid is viewed as 100% earned after that point in time. A copy of the worksheet used for this calculation can be requested in writing from The Office of Financial Aid.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement Conditions

If a student has accepted Title IV aid by the date of the withdrawal, but the financial aid has not been disbursed, the student may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible one is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement for the earned aid that was not received. Under these circumstances, a R2T4 calculation must be performed to determine whether the student is actually eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. Arkansas Baptist College must make this determination within 30 calendar days after the student withdraws.

The following conditions apply when processing a post-withdrawal disbursement:

1. A student may not owe a prior year balance or fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress according to Arkansas Baptist College and the Office of Financial Aid policy.
2. A student must have accepted aid by the date of the withdrawal.
3. If, before the student’s withdrawal date, a loan offer has been accepted, the loan must also have been originated by Arkansas Baptist College.
4. If the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement of a loan, the Office of Financial Aid must send notification of post-withdrawal disbursement eligibility to students within 30 calendar days after the student withdraws. Students will be given a minimum of 14 calendar days to respond to the post-withdrawal disbursement offer.
5. Arkansas Baptist College will disburse any Title IV grant funds a student is due as part of a post-withdrawal disbursement within 45 calendar days of the date the institution determined the student withdrew and disburse any loan funds a student accepts by the post withdrawal disbursement deadline within 180 calendar days of the withdrawal date.
6. Arkansas Baptist College cannot make a post-withdrawal disbursement to a deceased student or a student who has not signed the loan’s promissory note.

For students who provide notification back to Arkansas Baptist College that they want the loan funds prior to the post-withdrawal disbursement deadline, the Office of Financial Aid will collaborate with the Business Office to disburse the loan.

Time Frame for the Return of Title IV Program Funds

The following rules apply when completing a Return calculation for a student:

1. Arkansas Baptist College will return any unearned Title IV funds it is responsible for returning within 45 calendar days of the date the institution determined the student withdrew, and offer any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds within 30 calendar days of that date.
2. Unless a student subject to verification has provided all required verification documents in time for Arkansas Baptist College to meet the Return deadlines, the institution includes as Aid Disbursed or Aid That Could Have Been Disbursed in the Return calculation.
3. If it is determined that a student who failed to provide all required verification documents in time for Arkansas Baptist College to meet the Return deadline later provides those documents prior to the applicable verification deadline, the institution must perform a new Return calculation on all of the aid the student qualified for based on the completed verification documents and make the appropriate adjustments.
4. To give a Pell grant to a student, Arkansas Baptist College must have a valid output document (one with an official EFC computed from correct data) while the student is still enrolled for the award year or in the time frame the student qualifies for a late disbursement under 34 CFR 668.164(g)(4)(i).

Time Frame for the Return of an Unclaimed Title IV Credit Balance

In the event Arkansas Baptist College cannot locate the student (or parent) to whom a Title IV credit balance must be paid, the Business Office will determine what programs constitute the refund and will notify The Office of Financial Aid of any unclaimed credit balances that need to be returned to Title IV programs. The Office of Financial Aid must return the funds no later than 240 calendar days after the date the school issued the check or 45 calendar days after the EFT was rejected.

Institutional Responsibilities

Arkansas Baptist College’s responsibilities in regard to Title IV funds follow:

1. Providing students with information in this policy
2. Identifying students who are affected by this policy and completing the Return to Title IV funds calculation for those students
3. Returning any Title IV funds required to the correct Title IV programs within 45 calendar days of the date the official notice of withdrawal was provided
4. If less Title IV aid has disbursed than the student has earned, a post-withdrawal disbursement will be calculated and must be offered.

The institution will always return all of the excess funds, including funds the Return to Title IV calculation identifies as the student’s responsibility to return.

Student Responsibilities

1. Any notification of withdrawal should be in writing and sent to the Office of the Registrar.
2. A student may rescind his or her notification of intent to withdraw. Submissions of intent to rescind a withdrawal notice must be filed in writing with the Office of the Registrar.
3. These notifications, to either withdraw or rescind to withdraw, must be sent to the Office of the Registrar.
4. Students must repay any funds to Arkansas Baptist College that were disbursed to the student in which the student was determined to be ineligible for via the R2T4 calculation.
5. Remaining unearned Title IV loan funds (e.g. Direct and Perkins Loans) must be repaid by the student in accordance with the terms of the loans.

Refund vs. Return to Title IV Funds

The requirements for the Title IV program funds when a student withdraws are separate from any refund policy that Arkansas Baptist College may have to return to the student due to a cash credit balance. Therefore, the student may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. Arkansas Baptist College may also charge the student for any Title IV program funds that they were required to return on the student’s behalf.

Return to Title IV Questions

If you have questions regarding Title IV program funds after visiting with or emailing The Office of Financial Aid, you may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-fedaid (800-433-3243). TTY users may call 800-730-8913. Information is also available via Student Aid on the Web at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
*This policy is subject to change at any time, and without prior notice.