Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATION PROCESS

How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the on-line Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. List Regis University, Federal Code 001363, in the school section of the FAFSA. The FAFSA must be completed on-line at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

What is a PIN number?
The U.S. Department of Education issues each student (and each parent) a unique personal identification number that can be used to apply for financial aid each year. You can apply for this number at: www.pin.ed.gov/
Regis University will also issue you a login ID that you can use to access your academic and financial records on WebAdvisor. Be sure to keep a record of each PIN and login ID and its use.

What is a priority deadline date?
You should file your FAFSA each year by March 1st to allow sufficient processing time for your aid to be ready when classes begin and to be considered for all types of aid for which you are eligible. Both the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Stafford Loans are available year-round to those students who qualify.

Is there anything I can do if I miss the priority deadline?
We recommend that you complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. You will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant (for needy undergraduate students), the College Opportunity Fund (for needy Colorado resident undergraduate students) and the Federal Stafford Loan (for eligible students who are enrolled at least half-time). If other financial aid funds become available later on in the awarding process, we will notify you.

What is Regis University’s school code and where do I enter it?
Regis University’s federal school code is 001363 and should be entered in the school section of the FAFSA.

What is the ARF?
The Award Response Form (ARF) is available to you on WebAdvisor along with the financial aid award letter if a loan is part of your award. Hit the Submit button on the WebAdvisor Award Letter to access the ARF. Complete the ARF to indicate that you are accepting student loans and to provide your enrollment status and living arrangements.

What else do I need to do after I return the Award Response Form (ARF)?
You should enroll at Regis University according to the plan submitted on your ARF. We recommend that you check the Regis University WebAdvisor system to see if there are any other documents required for your financial aid and that you read your Regis.edu e-mail address since important information is sent to you via e-mail. If you are a first-time borrower, you need to go to: www.studentloanonline.com and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the loan entrance interview.

My parents refuse to provide their information on the FAFSA. What should I do?
If you are classified as a dependent student for financial aid (see the FAFSA), the federal government expects that parents will assist with educational expenses to the extent that they are capable and your parent’s information must be included on the FAFSA. All of the information submitted on the FAFSA and to our office is kept strictly confidential and that the completion of the financial aid forms does not constitute a financial obligation. The information provided is used to measure the amount the University can offer you in financial aid. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact one of our financial aid counselors to discuss your situation.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid?
Yes, you need to complete and submit the new FAFSA every year by March 1st. You may lose all or most of your financial aid if you do not reapply by this deadline date.

My parents are divorced or separated. Who should fill out the FAFSA?
Use the information of the parent with whom you lived the most in the last 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, answer in terms of the parent who provided the most financial support during the last 12 months, or during the most recent calendar year that you actually were supported by a parent.

I completed the FAFSA, but did not list Regis University as one of my school choices. What do I do now?
If you have your U.S. Department of Education PIN, you can go back to the FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov) and add Regis University’s code (001363). You can also call the federal toll-free number (1-800-4FED-AID) and ask them to add Regis University.

What is a Student Aid Report (SAR) and when will I get it?
After your FAFSA is processed by the Central Processor, you will be sent the Student Aid Report (SAR) which summarizes the information you reported and provides additional information about your financial aid application. The SAR will be sent to you electronically within three days after you submit the FAFSA.

I received my Student Aid Report. What do I do now?
Read and review all of the information on the Student Aid Report (SAR). Follow the instructions to make corrections if necessary. If all of the information is correct, keep the SAR in your records. Regis University will receive this same information electronically directly from the federal processor as soon as your admissions application along with your Social Security Number have been recorded in our student information system. We will e-mail you when we receive the SAR.

Should I wait until my parents' federal tax forms are finished before I complete the FAFSA?
No. You can complete the FAFSA based on reasonable estimates of your family’s income. You may need to make corrections later if necessary.

I’m having trouble getting my forms in on time for the March 1st deadline. What should I do?
Apply as early as possible before your classes begin so that there is sufficient time to process your financial aid. The Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Stafford Loans are available year-round to those students who qualify. Remember you can estimate your tax information. You do not need to wait until your taxes are finalized.

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How do I know how much I owe and how much it costs to attend Regis University?
The exact amount that you owe is available to you on-line through WebAdvisor. General rates for each type of student are available on the Regis University web site. For the current Regis University Cost of Attendance, click Cost of Attendance.

Do I need to make arrangements to pay my bill even though I have financial aid?
You need to calculate whether your financial aid award(s) will cover the full amount charged on your Student Account. You can view your account on WebAdvisor. If the aid awarded is less than total charges, then you need to contact Student Accounts to make payment arrangements. You can find out more about payment options at: regis.edu/studentaccounts, then Payment Options. Be sure that all forms are on file with the Financial Aid Office and your aid is ready to be disbursed.

Can I adjust my budget?
The budget has been established by the Financial Aid Office in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Exceptions to the standardized cost are possible within a limited set of parameters. If you are interested in seeking an exception, submit a written request for revision to financial aid.

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What happens if I am selected for verification?
The federal government randomly selects a certain percentage of students for the verification process. If you are selected, we will send you an e-mail with instructions concerning the form you must complete and we will request copies of your federal tax forms (and your parents' tax forms if you are classified dependent for financial aid).

What is verification and why must I complete it?
Verification is a federally required process that students must complete before awarding can be done. Students do not have the option to have this requirement waived. If you want to be considered for financial aid awards, then you must complete and submit the verification forms and tax forms.

How long will the verification process take?
Once you have provided all requested information and the information that you originally submitted on the FAFSA is correct, you should be awarded financial aid within two weeks. If the information has changed, the corrections process may add one or more weeks of processing time. We will send you an e-mail when your aid processing has been finalized. You can view your awards on WebAdvisor.

If the information you originally submitted on the FAFSA is incorrect and this results in a change to the FAFSA, the process will take longer while our office electronically sends corrections to the federal processor. You should be awarded within two weeks and our office will send you an e-mail when this occurs.

If additional information is needed to finalize your FAFSA, our office will notify you within two weeks. Please provide the requested information as soon as possible so we can continue the awarding process.

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I have not heard from Financial Aid about my award yet. Should I be concerned?
It usually takes two to four days for Regis University to receive the results of your FAFSA from the federal processor. After we receive the information, we determine if your file is complete, verify your admissions status, your financial need, and your eligibility for financial aid. The awarding process follows which typically takes up to two weeks. Our office will send e-mails to you informing you of the processing details and whether you need to submit additional information. Be sure to read your Regis.edu e-mail since all communications are sent to the Regis.edu address.
You can check your status on-line through WebAdvisor at any time.

How can I be considered independent?
The federal government has established guidelines for independent status for financial aid purposes. See the FAFSA to see if you qualify.

Can I appeal my dependency status?
If there are extenuating circumstances within your family situation, you may appeal to be considered as an independent student. Contact one of our financial aid counselors first to discuss your situation. Your parent's unwillingness to complete the FAFSA and your financial independence from your parents are not sufficient reasons for an exception according to the federal government’s guidance.

Why is my aid different this year than last year?
Awards may differ from one year to the next based upon your updated financial situation listed on this year’s FAFSA, based on your meeting the priority deadline one year but not the next, based on a change in federal or state guidelines or funding, or on a number of other factors. For specific information, contact one of our financial aid counselors.

Can I have more aid?
Please refer to your Award Letter for the awards that have been offered to you. You may qualify for additional aid if your academic standing increases from one class level to the next, or if you are willing to borrow more loans (an alternative private loan or Federal Graduate PLUS Loan for graduate students). You may want to discuss your situation with one of our financial aid counselors.

When will I get an award letter?
Approximately two weeks after your financial aid file is complete, you will receive e-mail notification that your financial aid award letter is available on WebAdvisor. The award letter describes the types and amounts of financial aid that are awarded to you.

Am I qualified for a Federal Perkins Loan?
In order to qualify for a Federal Perkins Loan you must document a high level of financial need, be enrolled at least half-time, and file the FAFSA by the March 1st deadline date. Because of extremely limited funds, our office is only able to award a limited number of students who are eligible for Federal Perkins Loan.

Can I get a Colorado Student Grant?
Students who have a high level of need and who are classified as Colorado resident undergraduates may qualify for the Colorado Student Grant. You must file the FAFSA by the March 1st deadline date, document a high level of financial need, and be enrolled at least half-time. Because of extremely limited funds, our office is only able to award a limited number of students who are eligible for Colorado Student Grant.

Why was I awarded as a freshman student?
When your financial aid awards are determined, your class level is checked based on the academic credits that have been evaluated by your academic advisor. Our office may not be aware that additional academic credits are going to be evaluated. After you have met with your academic advisor and signed your degree plan, please contact us to request a reevaluation for your revised academic standing.

Why is the aid Regis University offered me different than aid I was offered at another school?
Each school is allocated different amounts of state and federal financial aid funds and has a different mix of students who are applying for financial aid. Each school strives to allocate these funds in the best possible way for their students. For these reasons, the award letters that you get from different schools may show differences.

What types of aid do I qualify for?
Regis University will send you an e-mail stating that your award letter is available on WebAdvisor within two weeks of receiving your completed FAFSA and additional information, if required. This award letter will list all of your aid awards for Regis University. You may access this information on WebAdvisor.

Why am I receiving only loans?
Other types of financial aid are reserved for only those students who document an extremely high level of financial need or who qualify for aid due to residential, academic, athletic, or other criteria. Loans are available to students who show less need or who may not document any need. To apply for outside scholarships, see our Scholarship webpage.

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How can I get a scholarship?
Scholarship opportunities are posted on the Regis University web site. Go to Scholarships on the Financial Aid web site to learn more about scholarships and how to apply. This site includes links to on-line scholarship search services.

Do I need to reapply for scholarships each year?
When you are awarded a scholarship, you will be informed of the terms and conditions of that scholarship. Some awards are only for one year, while others are renewable and the conditions of that renewal will be detailed in the award offer.

If I did not get a scholarship this year, what should I do?
You should continue to research the scholarship opportunities on the web site. In addition, we recommend that you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in case you are being considered for a scholarship that also requires financial need as a component. The FAFSA application documents whether or not you have financial need.

Is my scholarship renewable?
When you are awarded a scholarship, you will be informed whether the scholarship is renewable and the conditions you must meet.

If I get a scholarship, will it reduce the amounts of other aid?
There is a possibility that other aid may have to be reduced if you are awarded need-based aid and if the total aid (grants, scholarships, loans and work-study) exceeds your financial need. It is our practice to reduce student loans and work-study before considering the reduction of grants or scholarships.

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What is subsidized and unsubsidized?
When a Federal Stafford Loan is subsidized, it means that the federal government will pay the interest that is accruing on the loan while you are enrolled at least half-time in college and during your six-month grace period. If the loan is unsubsidized, then this interest is accumulating during this same time frame and you may elect to pay the interest or defer paying it until your loan enters repayment. You must document financial need in order to qualify for the subsidized federal student loan.

If your upcoming financial aid disbursement(s) is sufficient to pay your tuition and fees in full and there are excess funds that will be available, you may apply for a book voucher by going to the Forms and Publications link on this page and clicking on Book Voucher form. You will submit this form online rather than print it and fax it. Your aid awards should be completely finalized before you apply for the voucher. The book voucher is limited to one per semester and should be submitted within two weeks of the start of your class(es).

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The aid disbursement process for aid including the College Opportunity Fund starts when you have submitted all of the required documents and you have begun attending classes for at least the minimum number of credits that are listed on your award letter. After the disbursement process starts, allow up to 14 days for the financial aid credit(s) to be posted to your tuition account and any excess amount to be mailed to you in the form of a check or deposited into the bank account you designate. For students enrolled in the College for Professional Studies, their COF award will be disbursed after the add/drop period for 5-week-3.

The aid disbursement process for aid including the Federal Pell Grant starts when you have submitted all of the required documents and you have begun attending classes for at least the minimum number of credits that are listed on your award letter. After the disbursement process starts, allow up to 14 days for the financial aid credit(s) to be posted to your tuition account and any excess amount to be mailed to you in the form of a check or deposited into the bank account you designate. For students enrolled in the College for Professional Studies, their Federal Pell award will be disbursed after the add/drop period for 5 week 3.

You can check the Statement of Account available through WebAdvisor to see if the financial aid award(s) have been posted to your tuition account. Also, our office will send you an e-mail when student loan funds have been posted. Allow up to 14 days after the posting date to receive any excess funds in the mail or through direct deposit.

Allow up to 14 days after the posting date to receive any excess funds in the mail or through direct deposit into the bank account you designate.

After you receive excess funds disbursed to you, you may use these funds to purchase books and supplies. You may also apply for a book voucher by completing the form. Complete this form and submit it to Enrollment Services for processing. If you are eligible for the voucher and it is approved, a credit will be established for you at the Regis University bookstore.

Calculate your total aid for the term minus any aid that has been previously disbursed for that same term. This information is available by viewing your financial aid award letter and statement of account on WebAdvisor.

You may access financial aid information and your statement of account through WebAdvisor and calculate the amount of excess funds, if any, after your aid for the semester has paid your tuition and fee bill in full. Allow up to 14 days to receive your check for the excess amount after aid disbursements have been posted to your bill.

Each student at Regis University will receive a bill that shows the amount of tuition and fees charged for their enrollment. If classes have already begun and your financial aid has disbursed, the financial aid disbursement amounts will be shown as posted on your tuition and fee bill.

You may receive financial aid from only one school at a time. In some cases, Regis University can consider your classes at another school when calculating your financial aid awards. For more information contact financial aid counselor Chris Chodkiewicz at 303-964-5185 (for Colorado colleges) or Adina Chavez at 303-458-3506 (for colleges outside Colorado).

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How does Student Employment work?
Students receive an employment award in their financial aid package after they have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA does not guarantee an award. Students earn their award through bi-weekly earnings received for hours worked in their student employment job. Students may earn up to their total award amount, but are not obligated to do so. Students cannot earn more than the amount awarded for the year.

How do I get a job?
All Student Employment jobs are posted on INsite at http://insite.regis.edu . Login and click on Classifieds Ads (beneath Links for You), and then Workstudy Classified. The job descriptions and requirements are listed along with the supervisor’s contact information. It is up to you to contact the supervisor and set up an interview. If you do not obtain a job by the fourth week of classes, your student employment award will be cancelled.

I was hired. Now what do I do?
All incoming freshmen who were awarded Student Employment will receive a Student Employment Appointment Form and an employment packet during the student employment presentation at freshman orientation. The top of the appointment form is filled out by you and the bottom is filled out and signed by the hiring supervisor on or before the day you start working. All new employees at the University must also fill out an employment packet that includes an I-9 form, a Workers’ Compensation form, and a W-4 form. All of this paperwork must then be turned in to Financial Aid along with original identification documentation that proves you are eligible to work in the United States on or before the day you start working. Students are not allowed to begin working until all paperwork has been received. Employment forms are also available by clicking the Forms and Publications link on this page.

I’m a returning student. What do I do?
Returning students can pick up their appointment forms in Enrollment Services on the fourth floor of Main Hall beginning the first day of the fall semester. The appointment form must be signed by the hiring supervisor and turned in to the Financial Aid office on or before the day you start working. If you had a student employment job in previous years, you don’t need the employment packet. However, if you have never had a student employment job, the employment packet must accompany the appointment form. All students MUST have all documentation submitted before they can start working.

How many hours can I work?
On average, students work between 8 and 13 hours per week. However, students are able to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during school breaks. You and the supervisor should determine the number of hours that can be worked per week by dividing the total award amount by the hourly rate (to determine total hours that can be worked) and then dividing total hours by the number of weeks in an academic year (38 weeks, including breaks.) The department may not allow students to earn more than the award amount.

I didn’t fill out a FAFSA form but I want to be awarded Student Employment. Is this possible?
A FAFSA is not required in order to receive a Regis University Student Employment award. Students who choose to not fill out a FAFSA need to complete the Student Employment form and turn it in to Financial Aid by March 1. After January 1, this form is available from the Forms and Publications link on this page. Filling out the form does not guarantee an award.

I am not a traditional Regis College student. Can I still receive a Student Employment award?
Non-traditional students (undergraduates and graduates) can apply for Student Employment by filling out a Student Employment Appointment form and turning it in by March 1. After January 1, this form is available from the Forms and Pubications link on this page. Filling out the form does not guarantee an award.

I am an international student. Can I get work-study?
Students on I-20 Visas can work on campus. They must first get a job by visiting the job board on INsite at http://insite.regis.edu. Once the student has been hired, the international student coordinator in the Office of Records and Registration will write a letter to the Social Security Administration. This letter then needs to be hand delivered by the student to the local Social Security Administration office so that a Social Security card can be issued. Once the original card is received in the mail, you must turn in the Student Employment Appointment form, a W-4 form, an I-9 form with the Social Security card and a copy of the VISA, and a Workers’ Compensation form. These forms can be picked up at the Enrollment Services front desk on the fourth floor of Main Hall or on the Financial Aid website at www.regis.edu/financialaid and on INsite under Financial Aid. Click on the Forms link. All of these documents must be received before the student can begin working.

Can Student Employment be used to defer my Student Account?
Student Accounts is unable to include Student Employment awards when calculating whether financial aid is sufficient to pay your Student Account because the funds are payable to you on a gradual basis as you actually work the hours for your employer.

Do I file taxes for my student employment earnings?
Student Employment earnings are wages subject to state and federal taxes. You will be sent a W-2 Form from Regis University at the end of January each year detailing your wages earned for that year. If you file a tax return, you should include a copy of the Regis University W-2 Form with your return. FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes as well as federal and state taxes are taken from the earnings unless you are able to request that you are exempt from these taxes on your W-4 Form. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you have questions. Also note that amounts earned from need-based student employment programs are included on the FAFSA as part of income as well as listed on the FAFSA Worksheet C.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Coordinator Natascha Ambrose, Financial Aid, Regis University, nambrose@regis.edu, 303-458-4067.

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The award letter that is sent to you will specify the minimum enrollment that is expected for the aid awarded. Most aid programs require that you enroll for a minimum of half-time enrollment (6 hours per semester for undergraduates and 3 graduate hours for graduates). If you wish to change your enrollment status after you receive the award letter, contact one of the financial aid counselors by calling 303-458-4126 and asking for a financial aid counselor.

Dropping a class may have a number of different consequences for your financial aid. First, if all of your financial aid has not yet been disbursed, you may become ineligible for future disbursements depending upon the minimum enrollment required for your awards. Second, if you are enrolled in only one class and you drop that class or if you withdraw from all your classes, then your aid may have to be reduced and you may be asked to repay a portion of your aid based upon the federal requirements that we evaluate the portion of aid that you earned. Next, we track your academic progress to see if it meets the minimum standards established in the Regis University Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. If you fail to meet these standards, you will not be eligible for future financial aid. Since there are so many different aspects of your financial aid that may be affected when you drop a class, we recommend that you talk with a financial aid staff member before you drop, call 303-458-4126.

If you withdraw completely from Regis University after you have received financial aid, then your aid may be reduced and you may be asked to repay a portion of your aid based upon the federal requirements that we evaluate the portion of aid that you earned. You also need to complete the Loan Exit Counseling if you have received federal student loans while attending.

It may be possible to establish a consortium agreement between Regis University and your other school. You may only receive financial aid from one school for any one term. Call 303-458-4126 for information regarding consortium agreements. Financial aid does not transfer from one school to another.

Your award letter specifies the minimum enrollment required to receive the awards listed. If you want to drop below that level, send a written notice to our office so that we can recalculate your eligibility and send you a revised award letter.

Your award letter specifies the minimum enrollment required to receive the awards listed. If you want to drop below that level, send a written notice to our office so that we can recalculate your eligibility and send you a revised award letter. The federal student loans require that you enroll at least half-time (6 hours for undergraduates and 3 graduate hours for graduates per semester).

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Send a written notice to us as soon as possible so that your aid awards can be recalculated and we can send you a revised award letter.

In most cases, our office is not able to increase the estimated cost of education since we are required to follow state guidelines concerning student expense budgets. If you wish to appeal, submit a letter of appeal outlining your additional expenses and provide written documentation. Your request will be considered within the allowable requirements.

Send a written notice describing the changes and providing documentation to our office so that we can reconsider your eligibility for financial aid. We will contact you as soon as possible to inform you of any possible revisions.

Work-study funds and opportunities are limited each year. It is critical that you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Student Employment Application by March 1st to have the best opportunity to receive work-study and employment at Regis University. Send a written request to our office if you were not awarded work-study and your name will be placed on a waiting list to be considered if additional funds become available.

Send a written notice describing the changes and providing documentation to our office so that we can reconsider your eligibility for financial aid. We will contact you as soon as possible to inform you of any possible revisions.

After our office has received all of the needed documentation, the Income Appeal process may take up to 30 days to process. Our office will contact you when the processing is completed.

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The federal and state governments require each institution to establish a policy for measuring the academic progress of each financial aid recipient. In order to continue to be eligible for financial aid disbursements, each student must meet the minimum requirements for course completion, grade point average, and for finishing their program within a maximum time frame. If a student fails to meet these minimum requirements, their financial aid will be cancelled. There is an appeal process for extenuating circumstances. For more information, refer to the policy on the Financial Aid website.

You should submit a written appeal that details the obstacles that prevented you from meeting the academic requirements and the steps that you have taken to remove these obstacles in the future. Attach appropriate documentation to your appeal, such as a letter from your physician explaining your health factors and clearing you to return to classes.

Allow up to two weeks for your appeal to be reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee and for a written response to be sent to you.

An appeal may be submitted at any time.

You will be notified by a written response or you may contact Adina Chavez, financial aid counselor, at 303-458-3506, achavez@regis.edu.

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Last updated 2/09.