The Cost of Higher Education
Dakota Wesleyan University is focused on delivering a quality education at an affordable price. While DWU represents real value in private liberal arts education in the world today, the cost of education still represents a huge investment for students and families. However, an investment in higher education is guaranteed to last a lifetime. Dakota Wesleyan is committed to working with all students and families to make their dreams of higher education financially attainable.

Educational Expenses 
Cost of Education Charge
This comprehensive charge includes tuition, lab fees, course fees, general fees, student association fees, matriculation and parking. Items not included in the cost of education charge include board, room, books and educational supplies, fines, applied music lessons, student insurance, nursing course fees, and a graduation fee.

Residential Living Charge
All students who are required to live in the residence halls will be assessed the appropriate residential living charge, which includes the meal plan of their choice and room costs as determined by double or single room occupancy. Students who are not required to live in the residence halls, but opt to do so, will have the choice of a double or single room and meal plans. The telephone hook-up fee is included in the residential living charge, but students must provide their own phones and pay personal phone bills directly to the telephone company. A refundable damage deposit is required from all students living in the residence halls.

Other Expenses
Students will need additional funds for books, supplies and personal expenses. Students enrolled in certain programs may also have to pay for uniforms, professional liability insurance, travel, art supplies or other miscellaneous items. For the average student these costs may range from $800 to $1,000 each academic year. Students may charge books and educational supplies to their student account after financial arrangements have been made with the business office. They may charge these items at the campus bookstore with a validated identification card during the first month of classes.

Returned Check Policy
Insufficient funds checks submitted to the university are subject to a $20 fee, which will be applied directly to the student account. In certain circumstances the university may also use a collection agency for the recovery of returned checks.

Nontraditional Credit Charges
A per hour fee and a test fee are assessed for some types of nontraditional credit. Nontraditional credits that are assessed the course fee include credit by examination and credit for learning.

Finalizing Registration
The academic year is divided into two regular semesters (fall and spring), and three summer sessions (May Term, Summer Session I and Summer Session II). Student registrations are not complete until the student finalizes each semester or session’s registration. Finalizing involves paying or making acceptable arrangements to pay all costs incurred by the registration and meeting all other administrative requirements. A student must finalize at the business office at the beginning of each semester or session. The business office and financial aid office are available to help students secure various grants, loans and scholarships to help meet university expenses. In order to obtain such financial assistance, applications for any of these programs should be made a minimum of 60 calendar days before the beginning of the semester or session. A late fee will be charged to students who do not finalize by the second day of classes.

Terms of Payment
When students finalize registration, the process may include signing promissory notes, endorsing financial award letters and paying any remaining balance. If student expenses are not paid in full at finalization, students are eligible to enroll in the DWU Tuition Financing Plan that allows students and/or their families to spread payments over the course of the academic year, for a fee. Automated Clearing House (ACH) is also available for automated payments before and during a given semester. Contact the business office at (605) 995-2693 for more details on payment options.

Payment in Full Policy
The receipt or transmission of academic transcripts, the granting of degrees and participation in Commencement exercises are contingent upon the full payment of all financial commitments due to the university.

Financing Options
While the primary responsibility for financing an education lies with students and families, Dakota Wesleyan University is committed to providing the best in student financial assistance and services to help make the attainment of higher education affordable and accessible. The business office and financial aid office provide for a range of services, including helping families maximize their financial resources; providing guidance in obtaining federally sponsored loans, as well as alternative loans; and facilitating an understanding of the eligibility requirements and processes for receiving need or merit-based scholarships and grants.

Dakota Wesleyan has two primary sources of funding for students: federal financial aid and institutional aid. DWU prides itself on having one of the largest endowment and institutional aid pools for students in the state. All academic, activity and need-based grant awards require a minimum enrollment of 12 credits for each term the award is appropriated (e.g., $1,000/year requires 12 credits for fall – $500 appropriation and 12 credits for spring – $500 appropriation).

Athletic awards require a minimum enrollment of six credits and are prorated proportionally up to 12 credits (e.g., $1,000/year award requires 12 credits for $500 per semester, nine credits for $375 per semester, and six credits for $250 per semester).

Institutional awards will be revoked when a student’s enrollment falls below the enrolled credit minimum eligibility standard. Under no circumstance may the total of academic, athletic, activity and need-based grant awards exceed the full-time cost of education charge.

Financial Assistance Programs
The following sections describe the various financial assistance programs available at Dakota Wesleyan University. These descriptions are summaries and do not contain all of the rules and regulations that apply. In addition, all of the aid described below is distributed based upon financial need. For more information, contact the financial aid office at (605) 995-2656.

Federal financial assistance is only available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. Students in the United States on an F-1 student visa are not eligible for federal financial assistance. For details regarding eligible noncitizens, refer to the current issue of the Student Guide for Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education. You can find the Student Guide for Financial Aid at http://studentaid.ed.gov or request a copy from the financial aid office.

Institutional Grants, Scholarships and the Work Program

Academic and Leadership Scholarships for Full-time Students

Academic and leadership scholarships for current-year high school graduates include the Randall, Trustee, Presidential and Tiger awards.

Academic and leadership scholarships for students transferring to DWU from another institution include the Transfer Award.

Randall Scholarship, $7,500-full cost of education charge, is renewable annually for up to five years for students who meet the scholarship guidelines. Candidates are considered on the basis of scholastic achievement, leadership activities and potential for growth at Dakota Wesleyan. Students with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale and a composite score of 28 and above on the ACT or 1240 and above on the SAT are encouraged to apply. Candidates must submit a personal letter of application by mid-January and attend Scholarship Day.

The Trustee Scholarship, $5,500-$7,400, will be awarded to students who have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and a composite score of 25 and above on the ACT or 1130 and above on the SAT. The Trustee Scholarship is renewable up to five years for students who meet the scholarship guidelines. Candidates are encouraged to make application by mid-January and are required to attend Scholarship Day.

The Presidential Scholarship, $4,000-$5,400, will be awarded to students who have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a composite score of 21 and above on the ACT or 970 and above on the SAT. The Presidential Scholarship is renewable up to five years for students who meet the scholarship guidelines. Candidates are encouraged to make application by mid-January and are invited to attend Scholarship Day.

The Tiger Award, $2,000-$3,900, will be awarded to students who have a high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a composite score of 18 and above on the ACT or 850 and above on the SAT. The Tiger Award is renewable up to five years for students who meet the award guidelines. An application and campus visit are required.

The Transfer Award, $500-$4,000, will be awarded to students who have a college cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. This is renewable up to five years for students who meet the award guidelines. An application and campus visit are required.

Other Scholarships and Grants

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, five $1,000-$2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and 30 credit hours. This scholarship is renewable. Part-time students and students with previous bachelor’s degrees are not eligible. Verification of Phi Theta Kappa chapter membership by a chapter adviser is required. The student must enroll immediately following the two-year college.

The Hatterscheidt Scholarship (for South Dakota students) is another scholarship available for entering freshmen to apply for at Dakota Wesleyan University. Students must have financial need and a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Activity Awards
Activity Awards are available to students participating in men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletics and performances in the fine arts program during the academic year. Students interested in these awards should contact the coaches or faculty members who direct the activity in which they are interested. These awards are based on high school and college (for transfer students) performances as well as expected collegiate participation.

Methodist Awards
Confirmed members of the United Methodist Church will receive $1,000-$2,000, depending on involvement in the church and/or whether they are a United Methodist minister’s son or daughter. To receive these funds students will need to submit a confirmation certification and a letter of recommendation from the minister supporting the student’s demonstrated leadership.

Wesleyan Award
Students who do not receive athletic or fine arts awards may receive $500-$3,000 based on academic performance, need and other factors.

DWU Grants
Additional financial assistance may be available to students with demonstrated need. Because DWU has a strong commitment to assisting students in achieving their educational goals, there are limited need-based grants available.

Dakota Wesleyan University Work
To foster diversity and integration into the campus community, financial assistance is available to international students through institutionally funded campus work opportunities. Dakota Wesleyan University work is considered part of the student’s financial assistance award and is limited to $1,200 per year. Students must earn these funds; they are not automatically credited to their account.

DWU Global Grant
F-1 status undergraduate international students who apply and are accepted to a B.A. or A.A. program at the university may be considered for a DWU Global Grant that may range from $2,000-$6,000 annually. The grant is renewable for a maximum of eight semesters with continuous full-time enrollment, satisfactory academic progress and active participation in our DWU Multicultural Committee. F-1 international undergraduate students who have completed the ACT or SAT may qualify for other institutional scholarships.

State Grants

Students are encouraged to review state grants available to them from their own states. Contact the financial aid office for the name and address of your state grant agency.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all other required documents before eligibility for federal financial aid can be determined.

Grants
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are awarded according to a need-based formula to students who demonstrate the need for assistance to fund their education or training after high school. A Pell Grant is not a loan; therefore, it does not have to be paid back. To obtain a Pell Grant, a student must be an undergraduate who does not already have a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled as a regular student pursuing a recognized program of study. Contact the financial aid office for further information concerning these guidelines.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOGs are also grants; they do not have to be paid back. To receive an FSEOG, a student must be an undergraduate who does not already have a bachelor’s degree, is enrolled full time and meets the institution’s early application deadline of April 15 each year. FSEOG awards range from $500-$900 and are granted to students demonstrating the most need according to the FAFSA. These funds are limited so it is not guaranteed that a student who has met the university’s deadline and criteria will be awarded a FSEOG.

Employment – the Work Program
Federal College Work-Study Program (FCWSP)
Students may work up to 20 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods under the federally funded FCWSP. DWU has a strong commitment to a work program that benefits students both economically and developmentally. The FCWSP is considered part of the student’s financial assistance award and is assigned to students with demonstrated need, based on the FAFSA. Each year a student must meet the institution’s early application deadline of April 15 to be considered for work study. Students must earn these funds; they are not automatically credited to their account.

Loans
Federal Perkins Loan
This 5 percent interest loan is made to Dakota Wesleyan University students who show need according to the FAFSA. Each year a student should meet the institution’s early application deadline of April 15 to be considered for this loan. These funds are limited so it is not guaranteed that a student who has met the university’s deadline and criteria will be awarded the Federal Perkins Loan. A student may borrow up to $4,000 per year; however, DWU’s average award is $1,000 per year. No interest accrues before the beginning of the repayment period, which starts nine months after the borrower completes his/her education or ceases to be at least a half-time student.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
These variable interest rate loans are made to students through their local lending institutions. No interest accrues before the beginning of the repayment period, which starts six months after the borrower completes his/her education or ceases to be at least a half-time student. Qualifying students may borrow up to the annual limits of $2,625 as a freshman, $3,500 as a sophomore, and $5,500 as a junior and senior.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
These variable interest rate loans are made available through local lending institutions. Borrowers who do not qualify for a portion or the entire need-based Subsidized Stafford Loan may qualify for the remainder of the annual limits listed above. Independent students may be able to borrow an additional amount in an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan to assist with educational expenses. Interest accrues immediately, which the student can choose to pay quarterly or let capitalize. Principal payments do not begin until six months after the borrower completes his/her education or ceases at least half-time enrollment.

Federal Parent Loan to Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
This variable interest rate loan is available to parents. The PLUS limit is based on cost of attendance minus other financial assistance. Repayment begins 60 days after the full disbursement of the loan. This loan has no income stipulations; however, there is a thorough credit check made on the borrower. Applications are available from the financial aid office. If a parent is declined for a PLUS, a dependent student may be awarded additional funds under the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program.

Other Assistance
There are many other organizations that offer financial assistance to eligible students. These include but are not limited to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Social Services, and the South Dakota One Stop Career Center System. Interested students should contact the nearest representative of the appropriate organization.

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship awarded over four years to qualifying high school graduates who complete the Regents Scholar curriculum and maintain certain academic standards. Students must send an application to DWU, along with an official high school transcript and verification of a minimum ACT score of 24 or an SAT score where the sum of the verbal and mathematics scores is at least 1,070. Visit www.sdbor.edu for more information about this scholarship.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
The purpose of this state-administered federal program is to recognize high school senior students with outstanding academic achievement. The program provides for 10 students from each Congressional district to receive a scholarship of $1,500 for the first year of study at an institution of higher education. For more information contact the South Dakota Department of Education, 700 Illinois North, Pierre, SD 57501 or visit http://doe.sd.gov/scholarships/byrd/.

Alternative Loans
Many lenders offer alternative loans through their own private loan programs. Some lenders offer certain benefits for their private loan program if the student has also borrowed a Federal Stafford Loan with them. U.S. citizens, permanent residents and international students who are temporary residents may apply for alternative loans; however, permanent residents or international students may require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner. Applications for some of the alternative loan programs are available in the financial aid office.

United Methodist Student Loan
To be eligible for this loan, a student must be enrolled full time, be an active member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year, show financial need and have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Students may borrow up to $2,500 per academic year at 6 percent interest, which begins accruing immediately. The repayment period begins no later than six months after graduation or withdrawal. Applications are available from United Methodist ministers and the financial aid office.

Selecting Financial Aid Recipients
Financial need is the basic criteria used in selecting federal financial assistance recipients. Federal regulations say specifically that financial aid must be provided to the students showing the greatest financial need.

At DWU, the FAFSA is the instrument used to determine a student’s financial need. Upon completing the FAFSA, an expected family contribution is determined. The expected family contribution is then subtracted from the cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees and room/board. The result is financial need.

Current and new students who have financial need, meet the DWU financial aid deadline of April 15 and other DWU criteria, may qualify for the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), federal/campus work study, and/or a Federal Perkins Loan. However, these funds are limited so it is not guaranteed that a student who has met the university’s deadline and criteria will be awarded these funds.

Students who have completed and turned in all the necessary documents to be accepted into the university and have completed and turned in all the necessary documents to the financial aid office by the April 15 deadline will be processed in a first-come, first-serve basis. Those applying after the priority date will receive funding based upon availability of funds, need and application date.

Notification of Awards
A financial aid award offer will notify students of financial assistance. This document will state the amount and categories in which a student can expect to receive assistance. To accept the award, the student must sign the document and return it to the financial aid office.

Amount of Aid Received
The amount of federal aid that a student receives will depend upon his/her financial need. In the majority of cases, a student can expect to receive federal and/or institutional assistance. Aid packages will vary according to an individual’s needs.

Rights and Responsibilities
General
The purpose of the financial aid programs is to help finance an education and training after high school. To be eligible for aid, a student must meet certain general criteria. As a recipient of federal student aid, a student has certain rights and responsibilities. Knowing what they are will put the student in a better position to make decisions about his/her educational goals and how to achieve them.

Student Rights

• To know what financial assistance programs are available.
• To know the deadlines for submitting applications for each of the financial assistance programs available.
• To know how financial assistance will be distributed, how decisions on that distribution are made and the basis for these decisions.
• To know how financial need was determined.
• To know what resources (such as parental contribution, other financial assistance and assets) were considered in the calculation of financial need.
• To know how much financial need as determined by the institution has been met.
• To request an explanation of the various programs in student aid packages.
• To know the school’s refund policy.
• To know the payback procedures for the financial assistance that must be repaid.
• To know how the school determines satisfactory progress and what happens if satisfactory progress is not made.

Student Responsibilities

• To complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the correct place.
• To provide correct information; misreporting information on financial assistance application forms is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense that could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code.
• To return all additional documentation, verification, correct and/or new information requested by either the Financial Aid Office or the agency to which applications are submitted.
• To read and understand all forms that the student is asked to sign and to keep copies of them.
• To accept responsibility for all agreements signed.
• To perform the work that is agreed upon when accepting a work-study program award.
• To be aware of and comply with the deadlines for application or reapplication for aid.
• To be aware of the school's refund procedures.
• To consider carefully information provided by the school to prospective students about its programs and performance before deciding to attend the school.
• To repay immediately upon demand all financial assistance over awards or misappropriations.

Transfers
If a student transfers from one school to another, financial assistance does not automatically go with him/her. He/she must take necessary action to ensure continued financial assistance at the new school. As soon as possible a transfer student should:

1. check with the Financial Aid Office at the new school on financial assistance availability;
2. check with the lender to cancel a Stafford Loan from the prior school and reapply at the new school;
3. to add the new school to the student’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), as well as submit any other documentation requested by the Financial Aid Office;
4. reapply at the new school for a Perkins Loan, an FSEOG or a college work-study job; and
5. refer to “Institutional Grants, Scholarships and the Work Program” regarding academic scholarships at DWU.

Application Procedure

1. Complete an application for admission and financial aid to Dakota Wesleyan University and return it to enrollment services. Students must be admitted to DWU before they can receive financial assistance.
2. Submit the FAFSA. After receiving the results, check the Student Aid Report for accuracy. Submit any documentation required by the Financial Aid Office to proceed with the awarding of aid.
3. Students who do not plan to submit a FAFSA must notify the Financial Aid Office of their intentions.
4. Work with coaches or faculty members if the student is interested in any activity awards.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
The purpose of federal and institutional financial assistance is to help students reach their academic and career goals. All students receiving financial assistance are expected to make reasonable progress toward graduation each semester. The guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education make it possible to define and evaluate satisfactory academic progress. Enrolled students will be expected to complete their educational objectives within a reasonable time frame. The maximum time frame allowable by the institution is determined by the student’s degree or certificate objectives and enrollment classification, and is depicted by the following:

A student will be evaluated based on his/her cumulative GPA in relationship to his/her student classification. Students will be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if they maintain the following appropriate cumulative GPA at the end of the spring semester each academic year. Summer school will be considered separately.

Regardless of a student’s degree objective, the student must successfully complete 70 percent of attempted credit hours for each academic year. Along with Fs and Es, Incompletes, Withdraw Passing or Failing and No Credit will be treated as credits unearned. A student may repeat any course in an attempt to better a grade and improve her/his grade point average; however, the credit hours will be counted in the total credit hours attempted time frame.

If a student has failed to earn his/her degree or certificate within the maximum allowable time frame prescribed by this policy, he/she will not be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress and will be ineligible for continued financial assistance.

The evaluation of satisfactory progress for an incoming transfer student will be considered without regard to his/her transfer credits. However, upon completion of each academic year, transfer students will be evaluated with those transferable credits applicable to meeting graduation requirements.

All students must maintain the required level of academic progress prescribed by this policy, as evaluated by its quantitative and qualitative standards. If a student’s satisfactory academic progress falls below an acceptable level, the student will be suspended from receiving aid. The student’s ineligibility will remain in effect until an appeal is granted and the student is put on satisfactory academic progress probation for the following academic year. The student will then need to maintain the same academic progress stipulated in these satisfactory academic progress rules.

If a student believes there are extenuating circumstances for his/her failure to comply with these policies, he/she may write a letter to the director of financial aid for an appeal of suspension. The director of financial aid, in consultation with appropriate university authorities, may grant a deferment or waiver of suspension based upon certain hardship situations. Each appeal will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Other Information
Identification Card
New students will receive a permanent identification card from the campus life office. Identification cards are required at the business office when students finalize registration. Students must have valid ID cards in order to use the library, to use the dining hall, to charge books and educational supplies at the bookstore, and to attend athletic or other university events. Replacement ID cards are available from the campus life office.

Drop and Withdrawal
If students decide not to attend classes after finalizing their registration at the business office, they must follow the drop procedures outlined in "Academic Regulations." All remaining amounts due to the university are payable immediately and subject to normal collection procedures.

Refund Policy for Withdrawals from All Courses
Students who withdraw from all courses during the semester should initiate the withdrawal process at the campus life office, where an appropriate form for honorable dismissal is issued and an exit interview held. In order for the withdrawal to be official, the form must be completed, approved by the business office and financial aid office, and submitted to the registrar’s office. Failure to withdraw officially results in grades of F being issued and no refunds being made.

An administrative withdrawal fee will be assessed to students who withdraw. The fee will not exceed the lesser of 5 percent of the cost of education charge, residential living charge and fees, or $100.

Institutional Refund Policy
First-time Student Refund
Dakota Wesleyan University has established a pro rata refund policy for students who are attending DWU for the first time, regardless of their grade level. Only students who withdraw after the 60 percent point in time are exempt from the policy. The refund will not be less than the portion of institutional charges assessed equal to the attendance (rounded down to the nearest 10 percent); minus the unpaid student charges and a reasonable administrative fee (the lesser of 5 percent of the institutional charges or $100). The remaining enrollment period is calculated as:

Refunds of cost of education charges, residential living charges and other fees (based on a 16- or 17-week semester) are calculated as shown below:

Continuing Student Refund Policy
All Other Student Refunds
Refunds of cost of education charges, residential living charges and other fees are calculated as shown below:

Summer Session Refund
This applies to the same costs as during the academic year:

If a student is a first-time student during the summer, Dakota Wesleyan University will calculate the refund according to the first-time student refund policy listed previously.

Return of Title IV Funds
Students who have withdrawn from Dakota Wesleyan University who are receiving Title IV and non-Title IV Financial Aid funds for payment of their institutional charges are subject to a review to determine if there has been an overpayment. If an overpayment exists, a repayment of financial aid funds is required. The student withdrawal date is determined using one of the following: 1) initiation of the institutional withdrawal procedure; or 2) the date the institution determines the student withdrew (i.e., last date of attendance). Once the date of withdrawal is determined, the amount of earned Title IV aid is calculated using the completion rate for the enrollment period, multiplied by the total aid that was disbursed or could have been disbursed (aid “could have been disbursed” if the student was eligible to receive it at the time he/she withdrew and may receive it under late disbursement rules in 668.164 [g]). Students who withdraw after completing 60 percent of the enrollment period will be considered to have earned 100 percent of their Title IV aid. A period of enrollment is the academic period established by the school for which institutional charges are generally assessed, excluding breaks of five days or more. Title IV Financial Aid that a student has earned can be applied toward institutional charges.

Institutional Refund Calculations
All institutional grants, scholarships, and activity and athletic awards will be prorated upon withdrawal in direct proportion to the percentage charged as outlined in the refund policy. Check with the financial aid office for specific calculations.